Since the launch of the HELMIZ innovation center in November 2023, the Fraunhofer IST, the Fraunhofer IKTS, and the Helmstedt Economic Region (Wirtschaftsregion Helmstedt GmbH) have been working together to promote innovation in the region and actively support its structural transformation. Through projects in the fields of energy transition, the circular economy, and sustainable agriculture, the initiative aims to create new opportunities for companies, startups, and regional value creation.

Time for a mid-term review: In this interview, Dr. Guido Hora, Business Development Manager at Fraunhofer IST and responsible for internal Fraunhofer coordination of HELMIZ, reflects on the project’s developments and experiences to date, successful collaborations, and the next steps toward a sustainable innovation ecosystem in the Helmstedt economic region.

Guido, could you briefly explain what the name “Helmstedt Innovation Center” stands for? Who is involved? 

Perhaps a quick clarification first: What was originally called the “Helmstedt Innovation Center” is now the “Innovation Hub HELMIZ”. For various reasons, we were unable to establish a permanent on-site office. The Fraunhofer innovation hub Helmstedt focuses on three key areas: networking, knowledge and technology transfer, and innovation scouting – all within the framework of the German federal STARK funding program. Our goal is to provide targeted support to companies in the Helmstedt district for their research, development, and innovation projects. We place particular emphasis on energy and resource efficiency, process optimization, digitalization, and sustainable value creation. We, the two Fraunhofer institutes IST and IKTS, carry out this work in collaboration with Helmstedt Economic Region (Wirtschaftsregion Helmstedt GmbH), numerous regional partners from business, science, and politics, as well as other Fraunhofer institutes, including those outside the region. Our collaborations have so far focused primarily on energy, the circular economy, and agriculture, with agricultural topics at HELMIZ being handled by Fraunhofer IKTS. In practice, we begin with confidential discussions, visit companies on-site, and whenever possible speak with employees to better understand both the business and the working environment from different perspectives. This networking phase is one of the aspects I enjoy most because it brings people together and truly drives the region forward.

What role did Fraunhofer IST play at HELMIZ? What does the (day-to-day) work look like?

The Fraunhofer IST played a very active and influential role at HELMIZ from the very beginning. As early as 2019, the first contacts were made in the Helmstedt region – initiated by our institute director, Christoph Herrmann, and his then-deputy director, Lothar Schäfer. We leveraged the existing connections of Fraunhofer IKTS in Dresden and strategically supplemented them with our own networks, expanding our presence in the region. Even at that early stage, initial ideas for technology clusters and collaborations – particularly in the areas of renewable energy and the circular economy – were developed and discussed in face-to-face meetings with the state of Lower Saxony and local government representatives. With the founding of the Helmstedt Economic Region (Wirtschaftsregion Helmstedt GmbH) in fall of 2021, we further intensified our collaboration and jointly launched new initiatives. In our day-to-day work, this means a lot of networking, regular meetings and workshops with partners from business, science, and politics, and, of course, maintaining close contact with local companies. We bring stakeholders together, jointly identify challenges, and develop concrete projects that truly advance the region. No two companies or businesses are alike – and that’s exactly what makes the work so exciting! 

Can you give us a few specific examples of successful projects that have been implemented with companies from the Helmstedt region as part of HELMIZ?

Sure, there are several examples that demonstrate the wide range of collaborations made possible through HELMIZ. For example, the Helmstedt district was closely involved in activities related to the Hydrogen Campus in Salzgitter. Thanks to funding from NBank, a medium-sized company from Helmstedt was able to collaborate with Fraunhofer IST on a project. Together with the Braunschweig/Lüneburg Chamber of Crafts (Handwerkskammer Braunschweig/Lüneburg), we successfully applied for funding for another project to expand the technology center in Königslutter. Here, as Fraunhofer IST, we are developing and implementing modern learning formats for the training and continuing education of specialists. For a mechanical engineering company from Helmstedt, we worked with the Technical University of Braunschweig and Fraunhofer IST to develop an innovative grant proposal for AI-supported automation under the “Unternehmen Revier” program – unfortunately, this proposal could not be considered due to limited funding. Another success involved a young electroplating company from the region, which became a project partner in a research project conceived and coordinated by Fraunhofer IST under Germany's 8th Energy Research Program. Without HELMIZ, the company would likely not have had access to the relevant federal or state funding opportunities.

Further joint projects with other Fraunhofer institutes are already being planned for the coming years to further expand this collaboration. Funding opportunities such as “Unternehmen Revier,” programs offered by NBank and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWK), or direct commissions are always considered from the very beginning.

Were there or are there any obstacles or problems in implementing HELMIZ? And if so, how did you resolve them? 

There weren’t really any major obstacles in the traditional sense, because we coordinated the project closely with the Helmstedt economic region and the State of Lower Saxony from the very beginning. As a result, the formal requirements were clear, and funding from BAFA/BMWE went smoothly. Our collaboration with Helmstedt Economic Region (Wirtschaftsregion Helmstedt GmbH) is also working very well - we regularly exchange ideas with colleagues from the economic development and technology transfer departments. One minor challenge was the office originally planned in the House of Business (“Haus der Wirtschaft”) in Helmstedt, which, unfortunately, could only be maintained for a short time, mainly for structural reasons. But we simply adjusted our plans and took over HELMIZ’s tasks from our main site in Braunschweig. Since I live nearby myself, I often drive directly to the local companies. The bottom line is that the collaboration continues to run smoothly and pragmatically, even without a permanent office in Helmstedt! 

What has been your best experience or most memorable moment in the project so far?

That’s a wonderful question, and to be honest, there have already been many special moments in the project. A real highlight for me is my small team: I was truly lucky to have two dedicated and motivated student research assistants by my side, who contributed with a lot of initiative and fresh ideas. One of them also grew up in a structurally disadvantaged region herself, which created a very personal connection between us. And on a personal note: Every visit to my hometown of Helmstedt is something special for me. It’s always lovely to walk through the streets between appointments where I spent so much time with my grandparents as a child and teenager. When I walk from Poststraße through the market square and down Schuhstraße, past the Juleum, to Ziegenmarkt, many memories come flooding back. Without this project, I certainly wouldn’t be there as often – and I think my grandparents would be quite proud that I’m now trying to help restore some of Helmstedt’s former glory.

What are the long-term prospects for HELMIZ? What are your hopes for HELMIZ’s future?

I view HELMIZ’s long-term prospects very positively. The current project runs through November 2027, but there’s already the possibility and initial discussions of an extension for another four years, provided the supervisory board of Helmstedt Economic Region (Wirtschaftsregion Helmstedt GmbH) approves the extension and continued funding through STARK resources is secured. In terms of content, we plan to further develop the HELMIZ approach, building on our successes to date. I find it particularly exciting that the new STARK II concept aligns perfectly with the Helmstedt district’s business attraction goals, Germany's High Tech Agenda 2026, and the Fraunhofer IST’s expertise in battery technologies. My personal hope for the future of HELMIZ is that we’ll succeed in creating truly sustainable, skilled jobs in Helmstedt through these new ideas and projects. Since my youth, the region has lost much of its former economic strength and vitality. It would be a matter very close to my heart if, through HELMIZ and STARK II, we could help give Helmstedt back a piece of its home and future. Just a little more luster for my hometown and family home – that would be my greatest wish for the coming years.

The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) as part of the HELMIZ project (FKZ 46SKD213X). 

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