The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research, and the Arts funds four startups of KIT under the “Young Innovators” program: “simQoo” offers a software for quality management along the supply chain. “Mighty Instruments” has developed a technology for computer-supported imaging of surfaces. “OPVengineering” offers solutions for test beds used in automotive development and “da-cons” is specialized in the analysis, visualization, and archiving of image data.
Altogether, the state will fund nine new startups of universities and research institutions in Baden-Württemberg under the “Young Innovators” program. The program is intended to encourage scientists to start an own business and to support the transfer of technology and know-how from science to industry. Funding is provided for the development of innovative products and processes in Baden-Württemberg.
The following KIT startups are funded:
simQoo: The founders of simQoo have developed a quality management software for enterprises having a widely branched network of suppliers. So far, considerable efforts have been required to directly integrate suppliers into the quality assurance scheme of a manufacturer. Frequently, manufacturers do not have any comprehensive idea of the quality assurance activities of their suppliers. This reduces their capability to react in case of deficient parts. The software offered by simQoo allows for a systematic, enterprise-overlapping exchange and automatic evaluation of quality data along the supply chain and also supports branch-specific process flows. The data are available in a standardized format. Problem reports or complaints are transmitted in real time. In this way, quality problems can be detected and even prevented at an early stage.
http://www.simqoo.com
Mighty Instruments: The “Mighty Tiles Pro” software offered by the company is a tool for computer-generated close-to-reality imaging of surfaces, such as floor covers and wall linings. Instead of simple photos of e.g. complete tiled floors or brick walls, “Mighty Tiles Pro” generates floor covers and wall linings with the help of a computer based on single tiles or bricks. The user can determine not only the color, but also other properties, such as reflection, types of edges, roughnesses, flat areas, and aging phenomena. The software allows to rapidly, intuitively, and flexibly design close-to-reality and highly detailed surface images. Hence, the product is suited for the visualization of architectural projects, film productions, video games, and 3D works of art.
http://www.mighty-instruments.de
OPVengineering: Development of drive trains for cars is characterized by shorter development cycles and increasing electrification. OPVengineering – the abbreviation stands for open product validation – develops solutions for highly dynamic test beds. The number of vehicle prototypes is reduced and the development process thus becomes shorter and more cost-efficient. The product portfolio focuses on models for the real-time simulation of drive train components, such as combustion engines and electric drive trains. In this way, virtual vehicles are set up. By integration into test bed automation, prototypes of drive train components can be analyzed and tested closer to reality than ever before.
http://opvengineering.de
da-cons: The company is specialized in services for the analysis, visualization, and archiving of image data. Modern microscopes used in biotechnology, for instance, visualize fascinating details. High-resolution imaging of 3D objects, such as cells or organs, or of dynamic processes, such as movements and developments in space, gives rise to gigantic amounts of data. The da-cons system (dcs) allows for an efficient and individual evaluation of raw data, including the recognition and measurement of sizes, volumes, shapes, and distances. Quality of research can be improved, for instance, when diseases are studied or drugs or cosmetics are developed. In cooperation with specialists in biotechnology and data acquisition, da-cons develops complete solutions for sample uptake, processing, analysis, and visualization in the form of photos and videos.
http://www.da-cons.de
Under the “Young Innovators” program, the state of Baden-Württemberg has been supporting young entrepreneurs of universities and research institutions since 1995. Funds are provided for establishing the enterprise: The young entrepreneurs are granted financial support for making their living and coaching. Moreover, they are free to use the infrastructure facilities of their university or research institution. Funding focuses on promising areas, such as optoelectronics, biotechnology, medical technology, solar technology, automation technology, and mechatronics. So far, more than 200 young startups of scientists have been supported under the program.
Being “The Research University in the Helmholtz Association”, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 10,000 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,800 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence.