The history of INNOVENT

From the founding till today

The success story of INNOVENT 1994 - today

2021

Record funding

The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is providing around 2.5 million euros in funding for the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment. The grant is part of BMBF funding in the "Change through Innovation in the Region - WIR!" program, which also includes the Alliance Vogtlandpioniere.

2020

INNOVENT at the ProVention

INNOVENT presents innovative antimicrobial surface coatings and a newly developed air purifier at the ProVention in Erfurt. The ProVention is the Thuringian exhibition for the prevention of infections.

2019

KulturLebensraum Vogtland renames itself

The alliance "KulturLebensraum Vogtland" founded by INNOVENT renames itself to "Vogtlandpioniere". At the same time, the commitment to implement the project is obtained.

 

10 years ak-adp

The second anniversary of the year. User Forum Atmospheric Pressure Plasma was founded 10 years ago. Since then, there have been more than 30 workshops at which technology developers, users and plant engineers have been able to exchange ideas about atmospheric plasmas in an animated manner. Even though the ak-adp has been around for a long time, the interest in the events and the technology remains high. That is why a technology special on atmospheric plasmas was published for the 10th anniversary.

 

 

 

25 years of INNOVENT

INNOVENT has now been successfully operating as an industry-related research institution for a quarter of a century. A reason to celebrate!

2018

Inauguration of new synthesis laboratory

In order to carry out sophisticated syntheses up to the kilogram range INNOVENT has established a new synthesis laboratory. Mr. Christian Hirte, Commissioner for Eastern Germany of the Federal Government (CDU), was invited to the inauguration as guest of honor.

 

Project "KulturLebensraum Vogtland" is launched

INNOVENT launches the WIR! (Change through Innovation in the Region) program "KulturLebensraum Vogtland". The aim is to develop innovative technologies, processes and methods for the preservation and revitalization of buildings worthy of protection. The focus of this regional network is on the Vogtland region.

 

New branch office of INNOVENT

Due to the great demand and the resulting increased need for space, INNOVENT has purchased a new building in the Ilmstraße in Jena. It will be the new home of the electrochemistry team. The necessary electrochemical equipment was funded by the state of Thuringia.

2015

Founding of the Zuse - Gemeinschaft

INNOVENT is a founding member of the  German Industrial Research Association Konrad Zuse (short Zuse - Gemeinschaft). The aim of the Zuse - Gemeinschaft is the promotion of non-profit industrial research.

2014

20 years of INNOVENT

INNOVENT is now researching and developing for small and large businesses since 20 years. A good reason to celebrate with our employees and partners.

2013

Inn-O-Kultur is born

Start of the Innovation Forum Inn-O-Kultur "Innovative Surface Techniques & Cultural Assets". The aim is to connect professionals from restoration/conservation and archives, cultural policy and administration with experts from research and industry.

2012

The ThGOT are going on tour

In September, the Thuringian Interfacial Engineering and Surface Days will be held outside Thuringia for the first time. The destination of the 8th ThGOT is Leipzig. In the course of this change also the name will be renewed. The Thuringian Interfacial Engineering and Surface Technology Days will become the Theme Days on Interfacial Engineering and Surface Technology.

2009

15 years of INNOVENT

It is already the 15th anniversary of the foundation of INNOVENT.

 

New event format

In 2008, during the Thuringian Interface Engineering and Surface Days, there was a request for an exchange platform on the topic of atmospheric pressure plasma. This was the initial spark for the foundation of the "User Forum Atmospheric Pressure Plasma" (ak-adp). The founding workshop took place on March 12 in Jena.

2008

Spin-off number four

Foundation of the Matesy GmbH. The company focuses mainly on the visualization, characterization and generation of magnetic fields.

 

New management for INNOVENT

Prof. Dr. Hans-Juergen Tiller goes into well-deserved retirement. Dr. Bernd Gruenler and Dr. Arnd Schimanski take over his legacy and become the new board and managing directors of INNOVENT.

2005

Kick-off for the Thuringian Interface and Surface Days

Realization of the 1st Thuringian Interface and Surface Days (ThGOT) at the MAXX Hotel Jena

2004

Third spin-off

The MEOX Projektmanagement GbR is founded. Its task is to realize the scientific conferences and workshops planned by INNOVENT.

 

INNOVENT turns 10

INNOVENT celebrates its 10th birthday, the ceremony is also attended by the Thuringian Minister President Dieter Althaus. INNOVENT is the largest industry-related research institution in Thuringia, as well as one of the most successful in the new German states.

2002

Innovation Award

The PYROSIL method developed at INNOVENT is awarded the Innovation Prize.

 

Completion of the technical building

After only 6 months of construction, the new technical building is handed over to INNOVENT on June 4th. The handing over of the keys is done by the Thuringian Minister of Economic Affairs Franz Schuster.

2001

The growth continues

Establishment of the "Analytics and Materials Testing" division and planning of another new building.

 

 

Completion of the new building

On 01 March all works are completed and the colleagues can start their work in the new laboratories of INNOVENT.

2000

Construction of the new building is progressing

The construction of the new main building is progressing as planned. The laying of the foundation stone will take place on March 7 and the roofing ceremony can be celebrated as early as July 11.

 

 

The Magnetic & Optical Systems Department is expanding

Due to high demand, the Department of MOS is being expanded. It will now include new optical components and crystal growth capabilities.

 

1999

Groundbreaking ceremony for a new home for INNOVENT

The steady growth of INNOVENT requires the planning of an own building. The ground-breaking ceremony will take place on July 12 in the presence of the Thuringian Minister of Economics, Franz Schuster.

1998

INNOVENT continues to grow

INNOVENT already has more than 80 employees - new additional rooms have to be rented.

1997

Second spin-off

The SURA Instruments GmbH is founded. Its main task is the production of machines and materials for surface pretreatment and activation.

 

 

New fields are being developed

The research areas Biomaterials and Magnetic & Optical Systems are established at INNOVENT. The number of employees exceeds 50 for the first time.

1995

First spin-off

The SurA Plasma-, Oberflächen- und Klebstofftechnologien GmbH is founded to bring the technologies developed at INNOVENT into the market.

 

INNOVENT is bursting at the seams

At the beginning of 1995 already 25 scientists work at INNOVENT. Another move is due. This time to Göschwitzer Str. 22 (later Felsbachstr. 5). Here INNOVENT will stay until 2001.

1994

The success is evident

Only a few months after the founding of INNOVENT, the facilities are becoming too small and INNOVENT moves into the laboratory space vacated by Jenapharm.

 

 

First trade fair visit

Only three months after its foundation, INNOVENT presents itself at the Technology Day Erfurt.

 

 

Everybody starts small

First offices of INNOVENT in the Moritz-von-Rohr-Straße - former Zeiss Südwerk.

 

The foundation of INNOVENT

On February 4, 1994, the Association for the Promotion of Innovation through Research, Development and Technology Transfer (INNOVENT e. V.) was founded by scientists of the university and Carl Zeiss GmbH, which is in liquidation.