There are many medium-sized companies in Saxony-Anhalt that do not have their own research and development departments. That is why they work with universities in the state in areas such as robotics and chemistry – and have been doing so for almost 20 years. Funding is now secured for the next few years.
Saxony-Anhalt’s universities and companies have jointly implemented more than 1,000 research projects over the past 18 years. The basis for this is a network called KAT (Competence Network for Applied and Transfer-Oriented Research), the funding of which is now secured until 2027.
The universities in the network
The universities of Anhalt, Magdeburg-Stendal, Harz and Merseburg are involved in the KAT network.
The Markus Holz, an economist at the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences who specializes in logistics, told MDR SACHSEN-ANHALT that the network specializes in robotics, lightweight construction, chemistry and algae biotechnology. The research primarily benefits medium-sized companies.
We combine green hydrogen in Merseburg, lightweight construction in Stendal and algae biotechnology at the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences in Bernburg
Prof. Markus Holz | Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
Scientist Holz emphasized that the network does not conduct research for its own sake, but works closely with companies. “We combine green hydrogen in Merseburg, lightweight construction in Stendal and algae biotechnology at the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences here in Bernburg.” Since its inception, the network has received almost 50 million euros in funding.
Medium-sized companies benefit
According to the Ministry of Science, the universities of Anhalt, Magdeburg-Stendal, Merseburg and Harz will now receive a further 18.8 million euros so that cooperation with companies can continue over the next four years. The money comes from the European Fund for Regional Development and the state.
Science Minister Armin Willingmann (SPD) told MDR SACHSEN-ANHALT: “We have a lot of medium-sized companies in our state that do not have their own research and development departments.” The KAT research network closes this gap.
Armin Willingmann emphasizes the support provided by KAT for medium-sized companies.
In 2022 alone, 125 projects between companies and universities were realized. They brought companies new products and improved processes, and universities additional third-party funding of 3.2 million euros. Willingmann spoke of this as proof that science and business are working together very successfully.
