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Hightech Agenda Bavaria

The Hightech Agenda Bavaria is a major step forward for innovation: the initiative comprising approximately €5.5 billion of investment and is utterly unique in Germany. It invests in the brightest minds and aims to create and maintain 3,800 positions across Bavarian universities. This includes establishing 1,000 new professorships in key fields for the future, such as artificial intelligence, cleantech and aerospace.

Please refer to our image brochure for further information about the Hightech Agenda.

Facts & Figures

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The Free State of Bavaria is investing €5.5 billion in ensuring our state is fit and ready for the future.

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The Hightech Agenda will create 1,000 new professorships and 13,000 additional university places, including many in AI and SuperTech.

In the future, 46 technology transfer centres will facilitate an exchange of innovative applied research between universities and companies in Bavaria.

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The Free State of Bavaria is investing over €50 million in hydrogen stations and support for the 300 stakeholders in the newly established Bavarian Hydrogen Alliance.

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Bavaria plans to allocate €100 million to air mobility and the development of innovative transport solutions.

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The Free State provides €130 million of funding for 19 digital start-up centres across 28 locations.

Milestones

The key developments in the Hightech Agenda to date

How has the initiative progressed over the years? This timeline details the highlights in the history of the Hightech Agenda Bavaria to date, from its announcement by the Bavarian state government to the present day.

Wirtschaftsminister Hubert Aiwanger, Digitalministerin Judith Gerlach, Ministerpräsident Dr. Markus Söder und Wissenschaftsminiter Markus Blume auf der
Foto: Axel König/StMWK
23rd Febuary, 2023
The stars of the global AI scene on podium, more than 500 participants on site, 1500 offline participants in the livestream and an impressive exhibition of research institutes and companies: With the international AI conference AI.BAY 2023 in Munich, the Free State of Bavaria presents itself as an impactful location in the field of artificial intelligence.
Pressekonferenz zum Hightech Transfer Bayern mit Ministerpräsident Dr. Markus Söder und Wissenschaftsminister Markus Blume
Foto: StMWK
7th February, 2023
Bavaria launches the ‘High-Tech Transfer Bavaria’ initiative: through Bavaria’s 15 newly established technology transfer centres throughout Bavaria and new start-up hubs in the university regions, the transfer of technology from paper to practice will be boosted. More than 100 million euros have been earmarked to awaken even more start-up spirit at universities and to facilitate technology transfer, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas.
Wissenschaftsminister Markus Blume am TUM Campus für Geriatronik in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Foto: Axel König/StMWK
19th December, 2022
Bavaria is establishing a unique campus in Garmisch-Partenkirchen to research and apply robotics and AI in healthcare. In the 2023 draft budget alone, 4.7 million euros of material resources and 14 additional positions are earmarked for unique research on these healthcare assistance systems.
Forschungslabor am BayBatt
Foto: Uni Bayreuth
2nd December, 2022
Energy in Bavaria: the Free State of Bavaria is establishing its own educational program concerning batteries and energy storage at the Bavarian Centre for Battery Technology (BayBATT), a first in the German speaking area. At BayBATT, top-class interdisciplinary scientists conduct research and educate regarding the future of energy storage.
Forscherinnen in Bayreuth
Foto: Uni Bayreuth
10th November, 2022
The Bavarian Think Tank for the Future of Nutrition opens: the Kulmbach Campus of the University Bayreuth opens, where the natural science fields of nutrition, exercise and health are combined with relevant economic, juridical, sociological and behavioural topics through research and education.
Roboter ander Hochschule Landshut
Foto: Hochschule Landshut
18th October, 2022
The Hightech Agenda is on track and having a clear impact: almost 50% of the planned 1000 professorships have already been filled. The brightest minds are coming to Bavaria!
Leibniz Rechenzentrum
Foto: Axel König/StMWK
4th October, 2022
Bavaria plays a leading role in the field of quantum computing: the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ) in Garching is a leading European hub for supercomputing. As part of the initiative, quantum processors will be integrated into a classic supercomputer.
Hyperloop-Demonstrator-Tunnel
Foto: TUM Hyperloop
30th September, 2022
The dawn of a new age of mobility is among us: the Hyperloop research program at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) commences the construction of a testing area for high-speed Hyperloop transportation, which is one-of-a-kind in Europe. At the testing area in Ottobrunn, a 24-meter-long tunnel is being built in which a custom-fit passenger transportation capsule will be installed.
Vorlesung im Hörsaal an der Hochschule Neu-Ulm
Foto: Hochschule Neu-Ulm
21st July, 2022
Agility, excellence and innovation: The Bavarian Higher Education Act is passed in the Bavarian State Parliament. After extensive dialogue between the concerned parties, the Higher Education Innovation Act forms the legal framework for the Hightech Agenda Bavaria.
Leibniz-Rechenzentrum
Foto: Michael Brenner
25th May, 2022
The world’s largest superchip for processing ‘Big Data’: the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ) in Garching is the first scientific supercomputing centre in Europe to grant academic researchers access to what is currently seen as the largest and most powerful next-generation AI chip.
Wissenschaftsminister Markus Blume im KI-Showroom Augsburg
Foto: Axel König/StMWK
23rd May, 2022
Industry 4.0 in Augsburg: the university opens the artificial intelligence showroom for regional firms. The showroom is primarily focused on regional firms and is part of the ‘AI project Augsburg’. The project seeks to apply AI methods to keep production and automation throughout Bavaria competitive and future-proof.
Test-Straße mit Sensoren
Foto: THI
17th May, 2022
The first testing area for autonomous driving opens at the Ingolstadt Technical University (THI): The so-called "First Mile" is a unique project in Bavaria to establish a test track for automated driving in urban traffic. The test track connects the Ingolstadt-Süd motorway junction with the expected Audi Innovation Campus. As part of key scientific projects, a system applying 5G technology as a means of safeguarding autonomous driving is being developed together with prominent members of the business community.
Eröffnung Aerospace Flight Test Center
Foto: Joerg Koch/Bayerische Staatskanzlei
24th March, 2022
Innovation in Aerospace: the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the University of Applied Sciences Munich (HM) obtain an Aerospace Flight Test Center under the Hightech Agenda, unique throughout Europe.
Studieren am Medizincampus Niederbayern
Foto: Julia Dragan/Universität Regensburg
22nd March, 2022
Lower Bavaria’s medical campus is on its way: under the Hightech Agenda, the Free State of Bavaria advances medical education in the region. The University of Regensburg is central to the project, along with training centres in Passau, Deggendorf, Straubing and Landshut. In combination with a newly established medical facility in Augsburg and the medical campus in Upper Franconia, over 2700 study places will be created.
Modulbau an der TH Ingolstadt
Foto: THI
31st January, 2022
The first modular building funded by the Hightech Agenda Bavaria is operational after a record construction time of less than nine months. Over 550 million euros are made available for further construction and renovation projects throughout Bavaria.
Ludwig-Boelkow-Campus Taufkirchen
Foto: Rufus46
12th July, 2021
The Department of Aerospace Engineering and Geodesy at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) moves into a new building at the Ottobrunn site. Newly appointed professors, parts of the administration and the "Venture Lab Aerospace", which supports scientists and students in their ventures, will move into the faculty building.
Hochhaus mit blauem Himmel von unten betrachtet.
Foto: Luke van Zyl/unsplash
31st March, 2021
State-of-the-art infrastructure for cutting-edge research: a program for construction of modular buildings at academic institutions throughout Bavaria, powered by an investment of over 125 million euros, is launched. It provides an inspiring work environment for the 2500 additional jobs created at Bavarian academic institutions by 2023 under the Hightech Agenda.
Logo Munich Quantum Valley
Logo Munich Quantum Valley
27th January, 2021
The Munich Quantum Valley initiative, consisting of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the University of Erlangen-Nuremburg (FAU), along with the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities, the German Aerospace Center, the Fraunhofer Society and the Max Planck Society, is established. The ultimate goal is the development of quantum computing throughout Bavaria.
Bayerns KI-Rat
Foto: Elke Neureuther/StMWi
22nd December, 2020
Bavaria’s AI council is established. A top-class panel of experts will oversee the expansion of Bavaria’s artificial intelligence network.
Research in Bavaria
3rd December, 2020
The ‘Research in Bavaria’ initiative commences: with the help of the international marketing initiative, the Free State of Bavaria is pursuing the goal of attracting the most promising upcoming researchers from around the globe to Bavaria.
Pressekonferenz zur Hightech Agenda plus Mit Dr. Markus Söder und Hubert Aiwanger
Foto: Bayerische Staatskanzlei
14th September, 2020
The Hightech Agenda Plus – the implementation of the Hightech Agenda continues to accelerate: measures that were initially planned for later years are brought forward and additional projects are being launched. The Free State of Bavaria promotes cutting-edge technologies throughout the region.
Roboter an der Hochschule Coburg
Roboter an der Hochschule Coburg
15th May, 2020
Bavaria’s universities establish over 100 professorships with a focus on artificial intelligence. Starting with centres in Munich (artificial intelligence and robotics), Würzburg (data science), Erlangen-Nuremberg (medicine) and Ingolstadt (mobility), the Free State of Bavaria seeks to establish a thematically AI-focused network throughout the state. 50 professorships will commence research and the various research institutes and a further 50 will be employed at academic institutes throughout Bavaria.
Regierungserklärung von Mnisterpräsident Dr. Markus Söder
Foto: Bayerische Staatskanzlei
10th October, 2019
The Minister-President of Bavaria, Dr. Markus Söder, announces the Hightech Agenda Bavaria in the Bavarian State Parliament.

Flagship Projects

Bavaria is committed to concerted investment in state-of-the-art research and career opportunities in connection with innovative future technologies.

The Leibniz Supercomputing Centre

The Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ) is a world-class supercomputing centre that enables academics and researchers to perform ultra-complex calculations with one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers.

The recent decision taken by the European High-Performance joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) to integrate quantum processors into a classical supercomputer at the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre illustrates Bavaria’s impressive leading position in this emerging field.

Leibniz Rechenzentrum
Foto: Axel König/StMWK
Munich Quantum Valley

Munich Quantum Valley
The supercomputer of tomorrow is currently under construction in Munich Quantum Valley (MQV). The joint platform – a collaborative project between academia, industry, research and public organisations – offers state-of-the-art conditions to promote the research and development of quantum technologies and quantum computing throughout Bavaria. The MQV is a crucial part of the Bavarian quantum technology ecosystem. Continued development of these advanced technologies promises to give rise to a phenomenal quantum industry in the region.

The Munich Center for Machine Learning (MCML) and the Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Learning (MIRMI) stand for world-class research and development in the field of artificial intelligence.

Foto: Kuo-Yi Chao/TUM
Visualisierung des Hyperloops
Foto: Hyperloop/TUM

Hyperloop
The high-speed transport system of the future, the Hyperloop, is the subject of research and development in Munich. This work is spearheaded by the Department of Aerospace and Geodesy at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Featuring an outstanding team of 25 professors and research chairs, the department is at the cutting edge of international research. TUM holds an impressive fifth place for geodesy & remote-sensing in the global ShanghaiRanking of Academic Subjects, and 17th place for aerospace studies (TUM Hyperloop | Engineering A World Without The Limits Of Distance And Time).

Bavarian Artificial Intelligence Network
Last but not least, the Bavarian Artificial Intelligence Network is based in Munich (with a focus on intelligent robotics) and has established several centres of excellence in Würzburg (data science), Erlangen-Nuremberg (health sciences) and Ingolstadt (mobility). These centres connect over 100 professors throughout the region who specialise in artificial intelligence. The network offers Bavaria a one-of-a-kind ecosystem in the emerging field of artificial intelligence.

Foto: gorodenkoff

#hightechagendabayern

Securing the Brightest Minds for Bavaria

Innovation starts with an idea. And, when it comes to achieving progress, vision is every bit as important as knowledge. The Hightech Agenda Bavaria brings renowned academics and up-and-coming young talent to Bavaria. By promoting collaboration, Bavaria continues to advance on a daily basis, acting as a hub of innovation to continuously improve day-to-day life across the state.

Bavaria has Germany’s most advanced law on professorial appointments, which enables institutions to appoint academics with outstanding qualifications faster and more easily than ever before.

An integral part of the Hightech Agenda, the Distinguished Professorship Programme, is designed to help the state’s institutions attract professors of international renown. It promotes long-term positions and facilitates high-level research in multidisciplinary, pioneering scientific exploration. If a university successfully appoints a researcher who meets the criteria, the DPP can award up to €5 million to fund their research over a five-year period.

The videos below introduce a selection of professors appointed in connection with the Hightech Agenda Bavaria through its focus on research and education. We will supplement this overview as the initiative progresses.

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A renowned researcher in the field of stem cells and organoids, Prof. Matthias Hebrok was appointed at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) through the Bavarian Distinguished Professorship Programme. Prof. Hebrok introduces himself and his research in this Q&A video.

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Prof. Marcel Hülsbeck was appointed at Munich University of Applied Sciences (HM) through the Distinguished Professorship Programme to conduct research into transformation and innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and family businesses. Prof. Hülsbeck introduces himself and his research in this Q&A video.

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The internationally renowned computer scientist Prof. Robert Wille was appointed at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) as part of the Distinguished Professorship Programme. Prof. Wille introduces himself and his research in this Q&A video.

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Prof. Wolfram Burgard is among the most internationally renowned robotics experts – and, thanks to the Distinguished Professorship Programme, is now conducting research at University of Technology Nuremberg (UTN). Prof. Burgard introduces himself and his research in this Q&A video.

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Prof. Andreas Kassler, an internationally respected specialist in communication networks and internet technologies, was appointed at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (TH Deggendorf) as part of the Bavarian Distinguished Professorship Programme. Prof. Kassler introduces himself and his research in this Q&A video.

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Prof. Bastian J. M. Etzold, an expert of international renown in sustainable energy storage and chemical production, will teach and research at the Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) following his appointment through the Bavarian Distinguished Professorship Programme. Prof. Etzold introduces himself and his research in this Q&A video.

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Prof. Amber Schneeweis, an internationally respected expert in materials science and technology, will teach and research at the Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences (TH Rosenheim) following her appointment through the Bavarian Distinguished Professorship Programme. Prof. Schneeweis introduces herself and her research in this Q&A video.

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Racism, gender, hierarchical systems and post-colonial structures are some of the topics that internationally renowned artist Syowia Kyambi examines in her work. She combines video art and photography with performance art. The German-Kenyan artist has been appointed to a position at the Academy of Fine Arts (AdBK) Nuremberg until April 2026. She became the first female appointment at an art college through the Bavarian Distinguished Professorship Programme. Prof. Kyambi introduces herself and her research in this Q&A video.

Distinguished Careers and Quality of Life

Roboter vor Bergsee

Bavaria offers outstanding educational opportunities combined with an exceptional quality of life. In a recent study, Bavaria placed second in a global ranking of industrial regions. In addition to first-rate study programmes, Bavaria provides excellent career prospects in business and technology. It offers unique conditions for professionals to excel while enjoying a cosmopolitan society, excellent living conditions and a technology-driven country.

Study and work in Bavaria

The Hightech Agenda offers an immaculate environment for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) study programmes, culminating in limitless career prospects across Bavaria.

The Hightech Agenda’s recent announcement of an additional 3,800 academic positions, including 1,000 additional professorships, has substantially increased Bavaria’s already impressive higher education offering. Particularly worthy of note is the establishment of 100 university chairs in the field of artificial intelligence.

One thing is certain: great academic careers begin in Bavaria! The state is home to a number of internationally renowned universities. The Hightech Agenda’s billions of investments in education, combined with Bavaria’s higher education legislation – which is among the most modern in Germany – means that the state’s internationally renowned universities are set to maintain their leading position in the international rankings. In 2022, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) further improved its international standing, finishing fifth worldwide in the field of robotics with CSRankings. TUM has consolidated its position as a leading high-tech university, becoming the only European university ranked in the top ten. In addition, young scientists in Bavaria secured 13 European Research Council (ERC) grants in 2022 alone. Each ERC grant provides up to €1.5 million for leading scientists in Bavaria with a passion for innovation.

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Research in Bavaria
Research in Bavaria
Study in Bavaria
Study in Bavaria
The Elite Network of Bavaria
Elite Network of Bavaria

Exceptional Conditions for Founders and Start-ups

Higher education institutions play a central role in creating and levelling up newly established businesses in Bavaria’s start-up ecosystem. Medium and large-scale institutions stood out in Gründungsradar 2022 – an annual ranking conducted by Stifterverband based on entrepreneurial merit. The Bavarian Higher Education Innovation Act (BayHIG), which came into effect on 1 January 2023, has further strengthened this ecosystem. Higher education institutions have expressly declared promoting innovative start-ups and entrepreneurial ventures as a key objective, further illustrating Bavaria’s entrepreneurial ambition.

The Hightech Agenda fosters the Transfer of Knowledge and Technology

The establishment of 15 new technology transfer centres (Technologietransferzentren – TTZ) will further enhance collaboration between companies and higher education institutions across Bavaria, especially in relation to cutting-edge technology. This creates ideal conditions for the transfer of scientific knowledge into marketable products, propelling the innovative power and competitiveness of the Bavarian economy to a new level. There are already 26 technology transfer centres throughout Bavaria, which recently benefited additional funding through the Hightech Agenda. Four further centres are currently under construction.