Launch of the Speinshart Scientific Center to Connect and Support Researchers in the Key Focus Areas of Bavaria’s Hightech Agenda
Last week, the chairpersons of the two Bavarian university associations – Universität Bayern e.V. und Hochschule Bayern e.V. – signed the articles of incorporation, marking the official launch of the Bavarian Scientific Center for AI and SuperTech at Speinshart Monastery.
A Platform for Research and Innovation in Future Technologies
Through this new center, Bavaria’s universities and universities of applied sciences (HAWs/THs) are pooling their expertise and establishing a vibrant academic environment rooted in cultural heritage. The Speinshart Scientific Center aims to become a hub for international, interdisciplinary exchange and academic networking, as well as a platform for dialogue between science, business, and society. This makes it a vital pillar of Bavaria’s Hightech Agenda – and a catalyst for transferring innovation in key areas of future research.
“Our high-tech abbey is taking off! The incorporation agreement between Universität Bayern and Hochschule Bayern initiates the development of our new Scientific Center for AI and SuperTech. We are supporting this with €1.8 million in institutional funding over the first two years. At Speinshart Monastery, we are strategically connecting excellent research with business and society. In doing so, we combine centuries of tradition at this inspiring location with a clear commitment to progress – a perfect expression of our unique Bavarian spirit: the ideal blend of heritage and high-tech. I wish everyone involved much success and look forward to many groundbreaking ideas coming from the Upper Palatinate!”
Science Minister Markus Blume
“The Speinshart Scientific Center offers our researchers a wide range of opportunities to engage with leading experts from academia and industry. By transferring research ideas into tangible innovations and ultimately into products and services, we are also strengthening Bavaria’s international competitiveness.”
Prof. Dr. Walter Schober, Chair of Hochschule Bayern
“With the founding of the Bavarian Scientific Center for AI and SuperTech at Speinshart Monastery, we are creating a true hot spot and destination for research and innovation. This center will serve as a catalyst for academic exchange and technological breakthroughs, reinforcing Bavaria’s global standing. The interdisciplinary dialogue, the fusion of tradition and innovation, and the strong integration of academia, industry, and society make this place truly unique. I look forward to many pioneering ideas and developments that will emerge from here.”
Prof. Dr. Stefan Leible, Chair of Universität Bayern
Organizational Structure and Founding Team
The Bavarian Scientific Center for AI and SuperTech will be operated by a non-profit limited liability company (gGmbH), with shareholding split two-thirds by Universität Bayern e.V. and one-third by Hochschule Bayern e.V.
In its initial phase, Lena von Gartzen (Managing Director, Hochschule Bayern) and Alexander Fehr (Managing Director, Universität Bayern) have been appointed as founding co-directors. With deep expertise and many years of experience in Bavaria’s academic and research systems, they will lead the Center’s strategic development and lay the foundation for its long-term success.
Recruitment for the permanent executive director position is currently underway, while a search committee has been tasked with identifying a scientific director.
Scientific Exchange, Technology Transfer, and Public Engagement
In the coming years, the Bavarian Scientific Center will host high-level seminars, workshops, and innovative formats to advance research within the framework of the Hightech Agenda Bavaria. These activities will promote interdisciplinary collaboration with businesses and industry partners, turning Speinshart into a central hub for research, development, and implementation of future technologies.
In addition to academic networking and technology transfer, a strong emphasis will be placed on public engagement, with exhibitions and dialogue formats inviting broader societal participation.
To support these efforts, a modern expansion building is planned near the monastery, featuring conference rooms, labs, and additional accommodations. Funded by the federal KulturInvest program, the new facilities are expected to be completed by 2027.
For the initial setup, the Bavarian Scientific Center for AI and SuperTech at Speinshart has been allocated a total of €1.8 million from the 2024/25 Bavarian state budget.
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