There are as yet no laboratories, lecture theatres or offices on the site of the future Schwandorf Technology Campus (TC Schwandorf). Nevertheless, research projects are already underway, companies are seeking to engage with the universities, and students are tackling their first practical problems from the region. The campus is therefore in an unusual phase: the building is still under construction, but the network behind it is already growing.
More than just a new building
The Schwandorf Technology Campus is being developed as a joint project between OTH Regensburg, OTH Amberg-Weiden and the district of Schwandorf. The Free State of Bavaria is supporting the development by providing funding for buildings, equipment and staff. The aim is to make it easier for businesses to access scientific expertise and to conduct research in the very places where it will later be put into practice. The focus is on the circular economy and sustainability, with particular emphasis on the areas of energy, digitalisation and resource management.
But why is a Technology Campus being established in Schwandorf? The answer lies in a strategy that the Free State of Bavaria has been pursuing for several years. Through technology transfer centres, research and development are to be specifically channelled into more rural regions. There, the centres work closely with local businesses and tailor their activities to the challenges and strengths of those businesses.
The TC Schwandorf is part of a growing network. Since 2019, OTH Regensburg and TH Deggendorf have been pooling their expertise in the fields of materials science, manufacturing technology and digitalisation at the Parsberg-Lupburg Technology Campus. The Neustadt an der Donau Technology Campus focuses on lightweight construction as well as materials and component simulation, and works closely with sectors such as the automotive, aerospace and energy industries. With the Kelheim Technology Campus ‘Danube Hydrogen Cluster’, a further site is also being established to conduct research into technologies for the production, storage and use of hydrogen. The Schwandorf Technology Campus complements this network by focusing on the circular economy and sustainability.
Contacts turn into projects
Dr Thomas Niehoff is in charge of the day-to-day running of the campus. Since March 2024, his team has been working to establish links between universities and businesses, identify funding opportunities and initiate joint research projects. To this end, the team visits businesses in the district, organises networking events and brings companies together with the relevant experts from both universities.
The collaboration usually begins with a specific enquiry from a company. The team brings the companies together with suitable researchers from OTH Regensburg and OTH Amberg-Weiden and provides support in developing joint projects. For many companies, this provides direct access to scientific expertise that is often difficult to obtain in day-to-day business.
The fact that this model works is already evident today. Although the campus does not yet have its own premises, five externally funded projects are now underway. The research is currently being carried out at facilities belonging to OTH Regensburg, OTH Amberg-Weiden or directly at the project partners’ premises. In future, modern laboratory space is to be made available for this purpose in Schwandorf.
We aim to support businesses in the district in further developing their ideas in collaboration with universities. To this end, we bring the right people together and support projects from the initial concept right through to implementation.
Research that makes a difference in the region
It is already evident today that this model works. Although the campus does not yet have its own premises, five externally funded projects are now under way. Research is currently being carried out at facilities belonging to OTH Regensburg, OTH Amberg-Weiden or directly at the project partners’ premises. In future, modern laboratory facilities in Schwandorf are set to be made available for this purpose.
One of the largest ongoing projects is ‘PlanBEKIn’. The acronym stands for ‘Planning and operation of energy systems for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and industrial companies’. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr Oliver Brückl, researchers are developing methods to help businesses make their energy use more efficient, flexible and sustainable. To this end, they analyse existing energy systems, create digital models of businesses and simulate various future scenarios. The project has received funding of around 1.3 million euros.
Students are also already benefiting from the development of the campus. The first final-year projects have been carried out in collaboration with companies from the region. This gives students an insight into real-world practical issues, whilst companies gain access to the latest scientific knowledge and potential skilled workers.
In the long term, the campus is set to work closely with the neighbouring start-up centre. The aim is to link research, technology transfer and start-up support more closely. This should enable new ideas to find their way into practice more quickly.
On the site of the future campus, the future has so far mainly been visible on plans. At the same time, research projects are already underway, companies are contributing their questions and ideas, and universities and firms are forging new partnerships. The building is yet to be constructed, but the network behind it is already growing.