Information & Communications Technology (ICT) in Thuringia

University education

Thuringia gives young people a head start in ICT education. Degree programs with focus on information and communications technologies are offered at eight universities and universities of applied sciences. Nearly 20 percent of all university students in Thuringia are trained academically in this field (Bachelor/Master).

Additional Bachelor and Master’s degree programs in information and communications technologies are offered at the Erfurt University, the Bauhaus-University of Weimar, the University of Applied Sciences Nordhausen as well as the University of Cooperative Education Gera-Eisenach.

Vocational and further training

Every year, nearly 5,000 school graduates get a solid theoretical and on-the-job training (dual education) in the ICT industry in the following professions:

Thuringian universities and application-oriented research institutes provide for a world-class research and development infrastructure.

Key areas of research in the Thuringian ICT industry:

• Digital media technology
• Analysis, management and simulation of complex systems
• Mobile communication
• Technical and biomedical assistance Systems

Embedded systems development is a major field of study in Thuringia. Institutions such as the Institute for Microelectronics- and Mechatronic Systems gGmbH (IMMS) i. a. conduct advanced research in integrated circuit engineering, systems engineering, mechatronic drive systems, microsensors or microsystems.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology - IDMT develops key technologies for the age of digital media. With its software solutions, the institute is a major partner for the creative industry in Thuringia, Germany and worldwide. Fraunhofer IDMT offers an extensive portfolio of services and technologies in the field of acoustics, multimedia metadata, children‘s media, bio-inspired computing and in the area of the secure distribution of virtual goods. Further activities include the conception of individualized solutions for integrated learning and knowledge environments and research in the field of audio system Technology.

Another advantage for ICT businesses in Thuringia is the direct and lowcost access to several application centers, each equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure for developing new products and Technologies.

At the Digital Bauhaus Lab, scientists, engineers and artists research intelligent problem-solving behavior, smart interfaces and user interaction, future information access and knowledge processing.

Located next door to the MDR and KIKA broadcasting stations, STUDIO-PARK KinderMedienZentrum (Children’s Media Center) brings together a variety of media service companies whose businesses benefit from their close proximity, excellent communications and multiplier effects.

Networks:

• ITnet Thüringen: network of Thuringian businesses with the objective of strengthening
• ELMUG: industrial cluster for electronic instrumentation and control
• SpectroNet: competence network for visual quality control with digital color processing and spectral Imaging
• Mobile Cluster Central Germany: representation of the interests of the mobile communications industry in business, politics and research

diva-e Digital Value Excellence GmbH
is an IT-service provider for eCommerce, SAP and eSecurity, and specializes in the implementation of international B2B and B2C (Omni-Channel) business models. The company offers consulting, implementation and operation of eBusiness-solutions all along the value-added chain. With more than 100 employees at seven locations, diva-e can optimally support the digital strategy of large corporations and medium-sized companies in B2B2C-online-commerce.

KIDS interactive GmbH
sees itself as an agency for young media and has been developing and producing interactive learning and game applications at its Erfurt site since 2007. Its expertise ranges from complex edutainment and eLearning projects for school lessons to sophisticated children's websites for organisers, companies and products. companies and products. In June 2017, the company was recognised by business magazine BRAND EINS and STATISTA as one of the top 20 most innovative companies in Germany in the "Internet, Media & Communication" sector following a survey of 20,000 managers.

Funkwerk AG
is a technology leader of innovative communications, information and security systems. Customized solutions for railway operations, automobile makers, industrial companies and institutions all over the world manage and economize operations in traffic, logistics, buildings as well as public and private facilities of every kind.

IBM Deutschland CSS GmbH
is one of Europe’s leading manufacturer-independent IT service providers. Since 1996, it has offered Help-Desk-Services from Erfurt for major international customers from all over the world in up to 25 languages, 365 days a year.

IBYKUS AG
has been on the market in Erfurt since 1990 and specialises in comprehensive IT services. The business areas of systems, software and services offers a comprehensive product portfolio to its customers, from a single source. Its strong skills in software development make IBYKUS a reliable partner for complex and customer-specific IT Projects.

retarus GmbH
is a leading information logistics provider that manages communication for well-known companies worldwide. The IT service provider comes into play wherever large volumes of data need to be transferred securely and reliably - regardless of the communication channel. The basis for this is a global delivery network with data centres in Europe, the USA and Asia. Global customer support has been provided centrally from Erfurt since 2018.

NT AG
has been active as a solid and innovative IT company for more than 20 years. The company bundles consulting services and software development into comprehensive IT-supported process solutions. The range of consulting services extends from process consulting to multi-platform-software and trusted data centers to digital Services.