In March 1995, Bayern Innovativ was founded as a "Society for Innovation and Knowledge Transfer" within the framework of the "Offensive Zukunft Bayern" (Bavaria's Future Initiative). The initiator and first chairman of the supervisory board was the then Minister of Economic Affairs, Otto Wiesheu. Since then, the organization has pursued the goal of thinking economically while simultaneously driving forward innovation. Today, the Company the skills of an innovation agency with the mindset of a startup.
"Our mission is to accompany companies on their innovation journey and accelerate the transfer between science and industry so that technologies can be applied as quickly as possible. We rely on interdisciplinary collaboration, a strong network, and professional consulting and methods,"
explained Rainer Sessner, CEO of Bayern Innovativ.
The networking of research and practice is essential to make innovative solutions marketable more quickly. Hubert Aiwanger, Bavarian State Minister for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the GmbH, emphasizes:
"Especially in times of profound transformation, Bayern Innovativ is a crucial driver for the Bavarian economy. The close networking of research and practice enables us to bring innovative solutions to market more quickly."
Bayern Innovativ as a bridge builder for startups and companies
Bayern Innovativ particularly supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the development of new technologies and business models. Through targeted knowledge transfer, innovation processes, and collaborations, the aim is to strengthen the innovative power of the Bavarian economy. A key role is played by the cross-sector network, which brings together experts from science, business, and politics. Established companies and young startups also benefit from this collaboration.
"It is a key driver that identifies and links high- and deep-tech trends across industries, thus significantly accelerating technology transfer. It is precisely the combination of these disciplines that can create technologies with revolutionary added value,"
so Sessner through the innovation networks. The focus is not only on the development of new technologies, but especially on their successful implementation and scaling.
With more than 300 employees at its locations in Nuremberg, Munich, and Augsburg, Bayern Innovativ supports companies on their innovation journey. Workshops, innovation forums, and individual consultations make current trends and new technologies accessible. Systematic methods such as scenario techniques, design thinking, and roadmapping support companies in identifying potential and developing strategies. The company aims to continue to actively contribute to strengthening Bavaria as a center of innovation in the future.
