INNOVATION STARTS TOGETHER

INNOVATION – AND THE PEOPLE DRIVING IT – ARE OUR PASSION

STIFT powers Thuringia’s innovation ecosystem, sparking ideas, connecting people, and building the structures, spaces, and momentum where groundbreaking ideas can take shape, thrive, and scale.

Since 1993, STIFT has championed science, research, and technology across the entire spectrum – from education and talent development to economic growth. In select cases, it doesn’t just support innovation; it invests directly in promising Thuringian startups.

Through a dynamic network spanning science, business, politics, education, and civil society, STIFT turns ideas into reality – driving innovation for Thuringia and beyond.

Christiane Kilian is Chair Woman of STIFT, driving innovation, startup support, and entrepreneurship across Thuringia’s science and business landscape.

About STIFT (GER)

moving thuringia forward

Thuringia is a hub for innovation, where research, business, and policy come together to shape future. With strong institutions, a strong economy and a collaborative spirit, the region drives progress across industries. 

Mario Voigt is Thuringia’s Minister‑President since 2024, making him Germany’s youngest currently serving Minister‑President. His first official trip led him to the United States, accompanied by representatives from business, science, and civil society. The itinerary included visits to Harvard University and MIT. The goal of the delegation was to strengthen economic and scientific partnerships, attract investment, and present Thuringia as a hub of innovation and potential.

Colette Boos‑John is Thuringia’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, bringing her extensive entrepreneurial background to drive deregulation, support SMEs, and deepen international ties.

About Thuringia (GER)

SOLUTIONS WITH LIGHT

From array projectors in the automotive sector and real-time scanners in production to quantum technologies for microscopy and communication security - Fraunhofer IOF develops innovative solutions with light for a wide range of applications.

About Fraunhofer IOF

LIGHT LIFE LIBERTY

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU) is a dynamic and innovation-driven university including a leading center for optics and photonics research, building on Jena’s reputation as the “City of Light.” At its core is the Abbe Center of Photonics (ACP), where over 90 scientists from physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine collaborate on cutting-edge topics like Ultra Optics, Strong Field Physics, and Biophotonics. A close partnership between research and education makes FSU Jena a key player in global photonics innovation.

About ACP

About FSU

INDUSTRY 4.0? MEHNERT’S MAKING IT POSSIBLE.

Mehnert’s experts work independently, develop their own solutions, and keep an eye on the big picture. At Mehnert’s training facility, they teach them at the 4.0 level. They are experts in every field of electronics, mechanics, digital control, 3-D metrology, and robotics.

Thanks to a pool of full-time and freelance specialists, the teams are quickly ready when you need them worldwide. Mehnert is digitally connected and solves unexpected challenges smoothly and efficiently. In the event of delays, Mehnert pulls the teams out at short notice – to the benefit of the customer. Mehnert always focuses on the final product – and not on the number of hours.

About Mehnert