University of Bayreuth and Commerzbank Establish Nationwide Innovation Network

(F.l.t.r.): Dr. Petra Beermann (Institute for Entrepreneurship andInnovation), Professor Matthias Baum (Uni Bayreuth), Wolfgang Bauer (Commerzbank), University President Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Stefan Leible, Roland Hintermeier und  Stefan Fleischmann (beide Commerzbank) @UBT

The University of Bayreuth, its Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (IEI), and Commerzbank AG are expanding their long-standing collaboration in the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation. Building on the successful partnership already established in Northern Bavaria and Upper Franconia, the partners will establish a nationwide range of support services for small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and aspiring entrepreneurs. The goal is to translate scientific findings more quickly into marketable products, services, and business models.The expanded collaboration is based on the recognition that successful innovations do not arise solely within research institutions or companies. Rather, the interaction among various stakeholders is crucial: universities provide scientific insights and new technologies, companies contribute market knowledge and identify innovation needs, while financial partners facilitate access to networks and funding opportunities.

“Excellent research only realizes its full potential when it finds its way into the market and society. The strategic partnership with Commerzbank is a milestone for us. We are contributing our scientific excellence to accelerate the impact of innovations not only in our region but throughout Germany,” says University President Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Stefan Leible. The regional innovation ecosystem centered around the Bayreuth Campus serves as a model in this regard. In recent years, the University of Bayreuth and the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, together with partners from the business and financial sectors, have developed numerous initiatives to promote startups and innovation. These include idea competitions, advisory services, knowledge-transfer initiatives, and networking events.

“In recent years, we have demonstrated in our region how effectively a coordinated ecosystem can work for aspiring entrepreneurs, startups, and companies. By scaling this initiative to the national level, we are working with Commerzbank to put together a tailored package combining scientific expertise, support for putting research into practice, and guidance on financing,” says Dr. Petra Beermann, Director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

The University of Bayreuth contributes its research expertise, methodological know-how, and access to new technologies. Commerzbank complements these perspectives with its experience in advising companies, its networks, and its financing solutions. Together, both partners aim to support innovation and growth processes and strengthen Germany’s competitiveness as a place to do business.“ The University of Bayreuth brings valuable academic perspectives to this collaboration. By expanding our partnership, we are making it easier for our corporate clients and partners to access this knowledge and combining it with our experience in markets, networks, and financing. Together, we are thereby strengthening the future viability and competitiveness of the German economy,” says Wolfgang Bauer, Head of Corporate Clients for Bavaria at Commerzbank.

The collaboration builds on existing joint activities. For several years now, Commerzbank has been involved in startup support programs organized by the University of Bayreuth and the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. These include informational events on financing issues, competitions for startup teams, and advisory services for young companies. One example is the event “Start & Grow: Investment to Go – Bank Financing,” where students and startups gained practical insights into the requirements and opportunities of traditional bank financing.

The successful results of this collaboration are already evident: In the innovation competition supported by Commerzbank, the startup team “Affordables”—comprising David Kossmann and Max Wimmer—took first place. The team has since founded a company and successfully further developed its business idea.By expanding their partnership, the University of Bayreuth and Commerzbank aim to provide even more companies and aspiring entrepreneurs with access to scientific expertise, innovation methods, networks, and financing opportunities in the future.