Economy: Tightening Networks and Boosting Funding with Rhineland-Palatinate's Innovation Agency
Get ready for a closer knit economy in Rhineland-Palatinate as companies receive enhanced networking opportunities and expert guidance on financing avenues, thanks to the launch of the innovation agency. Set to function as both a mentor and moderator, the innovation agency, under the watch of FDP's Minister of Economic Affairs, Daniela Schmitt, hopes to gather and connect various business and scientific players in the state. The agency's establishment is a pivotal point in the coalition agreement of the Rhineland-Palatinate government.
"In Rhineland-Palatinate, we are a guide through the innovation ecosystem, leading you to suitable collaboration partners and funding opportunities," stated Sabine Mesletzky, the managing director of the Innovation Agency. By adopting a holistic view, the agency aspires to effectively support the innovation landscape in Rhineland-Palatinate, recognizing that innovation encompasses not just technology, but also the creative industry.
Fostering collaborations across sectors, the innovation agency presents an online platform called "LoftOS" for seamless interactions between researchers, start-ups, companies, and industry associations. Users can exchange ideas, post offers and requests, and access information on specialist events, networking gatherings, and financial aid opportunities. In the future, "LoftOS" will serve as a tool to map innovation activities in the state, encourage cross-innovation, and sustain collaborations.
Expanding Horizons:
The innovation agency offers a variety of initiatives to propel companies and start-ups in Rhineland-Palatinate:
- Comprehensive Information and Guidance: The state provides various events, advice sessions, and seminars on business-related matters, free of charge. These services are offered through the start-up centers of the Chambers of Industry and Commerce and the Chambers of Crafts.
- Start-Up Centers: The centers present information days, advice sessions, and seminars together with tax consultants. They provide online access to start-up resources in Rhineland-Palatinate.
- State-Wide Service Hotline: A toll-free hotline connects start-ups with the appropriate advisor, ensuring personalized guidance.
- Employment Agencies: Employment agencies serve as the starting point for information on establishing businesses, particularly for those making the shift from unemployment.
- University-Based Start-Up Offices: These offices provide advice to students and academic staff, creating a conducive environment for innovation.
- Technology and Start-Up Centers: These centers based in Mainz, Koblenz, Trier, Kaiserslautern, and Ludwigshafen offer space for technology-oriented start-ups and provide guidance on various aspects of innovation.
- Financial Support Programs: The state and federal government provide financing aid for start-ups through initiatives such as the state program for supporting start-ups and start-up coaching Germany, managed by the KfW banking group. Additionally, the Investitions- und Strukturbank Rheinland-Pfalz (ISB) offers financial support to business start-ups by partnering with Business Angels Rheinland-Pfalz. Furthermore, the ISB provides various funding programs to promote the financing of commercial projects through Bürgschaftsbank Rheinland-Pfalz.
- Regional Business Development: Resources on subsidies and regional business development are located under the heading Regional Business Development.
These initiatives together aim to foster innovation, encourage start-up growth, and offer comprehensive support in Rhineland-Palatinate, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic business ecosystem.
Furthermore Reading:
[1] Source: Various state and regional resources in Rhineland-Palatinate.
