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Siemens Technology Center: A Research And Innovation Ecosystem That Fosters Collaboration Amongst Institutions And Businesses
Simens, Technical University of Munich, innovation, technology, research, Germany, Munich
11 Jun 2024
Siemens Technology Center (STC) is the largest technology centre set up by Siemens, a global leader in technology and innovation. Established at Garching Research Campus, north of Munich, and with an investment of over €100 million, the STC collaborates with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), international research institutes, and leading companies.
The Siemens Technology Center (STC) is the first building complex established by Siemens alongside institutions like the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the Max Planck Institute, and SAP that incorporates a collaborative environment with over 28,000 professionals pushing the boundaries of science, research, and education.
According to Peter Körte, Chief Technology and Chief Strategy Officer of Siemens AG
“No one can solve the current challenges alone. We must accelerate collaboration with our customers and partners in the early stages of development. The Siemens Technology Center, located on the same campus with TUM, international research institutions and companies, benefits from an excellent environment and will strengthen Germany’s global role in cutting-edge research.”
As one of the world’s most innovative companies, Siemens regularly holds top positions in patent rankings, including the number one spot for industrial AI in Europe, and has already been recognised for its innovation culture by numerous organisations such as Fortune, Fast Company and Indeed.
How does the Siemens Technology Center advance industrial artificial intelligence research and sustainability?
Siemens consolidates all its corporate research activities in Germany at the Siemens Technology Campus (STC). According to Siemens, around 450 Siemens employees will collaborate with 150 scientists from the Technical University of Munich on future technologies in the first phase.
The second phase, set for completion in 2027, will see the addition of more than 630 Siemens Technology researchers and intellectual property specialists. Once complete, the STC will be the largest of Siemens' approximately twelve central research hubs worldwide, representing a total investment exceeding €100 million.
The newly opened building, developed and constructed by Siemens Real Estate, has been designed to meet the “GOLD” certification standards under the internationally recognised LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) sustainability framework. This building is expected to contribute significantly to Siemens’ objective of achieving climate neutrality in its operations by 2030.
Siemens Technology Campus: Pioneering research in data analytics and AI
At the Siemens Technology Campus (STC), data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are integral to advancing programming capabilities, detecting production issues early, and facilitating natural language communication between humans and machines. Siemens holds approximately 3,700 AI patents.
In fiscal 2023, Siemens increased its spending on research and development (R&D) by about €600 million, reaching approximately €6.2 billion. This investment is aimed at solidifying the company’s dominance in key technological areas such as Simulation & Digital Twin, Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence, Connectivity & Edge, Future of Automation, and Cybersecurity & Trust.
These core technologies converge on Siemens Xcelerator, the open digital business platform, to enhance the development, manufacturing, and operation of industrial products with greater efficiency and sustainability. Siemens’ efforts in these domains are bolstered by collaborations with prominent partners, including the Technical University of Munich, SAP, BMW, the Fraunhofer Institutes, and emerging business start-ups. Through these partnerships, Siemens continues to pioneer innovations that drive progress in AI and data analytics, reinforcing its position at the forefront of technological advancement.
Siemens Technology Center: Promoting innovation through collaboration
The Siemens Technology Campus (STC) fosters a collaborative ecosystem through its joint activities with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), including hackathons, lectures, and the Makerspace. This approach enhances openness at the STC, where Siemens experts engage in collaborative research with universities, research institutes, academic start-ups, tech incubators, and customers globally.
This effort is part of the broader Siemens Research and Innovation Ecosystem, comprising 16 hubs worldwide, where joint efforts aim to advance technological innovation and knowledge sharing.
“The collaboration between Siemens and TUM as part of the Industry on Campus strategy shows how a leading industrial partnership can bridge the gap between academic excellence and industrial innovation to work together on the challenges of our time and develop powerful disruptive solutions,” says Thomas F. Hofmann, President of the Technical University of Munich.
In these ecosystems, including the STC in Garching, Siemens is showing how the challenges of our time can be met by joining forces and speeding up the pace of innovation.
According to Bavaria’s State Minister for Science and the Arts, Markus Blume:
“Two international champions made in Bavaria are joining forces – success is therefore inevitable. At the Siemens Technology Center in Garching, talented people from science and industry are researching and working together under one roof to create fertile ground for innovation and technological strength. TUM as a world-class university and the global company Siemens ensure the best opportunities for the future through knowledge transfer and talent development. In Bavaria, for Bavaria – and far beyond.”
