The it's OWL transfer vouchers are very well received by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in OstWestfalenLippe (OWL). 18 transfer projects have already been submitted, about 20 more are in development. In the projects, a research institutes in cooperation with the company is investigating or introducing the potential of new technologies such as machine learning or holistic product development. In return, the companies receive state funding of up to 80 percent.

How can I increase the efficiency and productivity of my machine? How can I develop new services from data? And how can I relieve my employees with assistance systems? Many companies in the manufacturing industry are concerned with these questions. SMEs in particular often lack the resources to deal with these challenges and potentials. The universities and Fraunhofer facilities in the Leading-Edge Cluster offer companies in OWL support in developing solutions and introducing new technologies. The companies can be supported by the state of NRW with a transfer voucher.

"Our transfer projects are in high demand among companies. They offer fast and unbureaucratic support in developing and introducing tailor-made solutions for concrete challenges. In this respect, they have a high impact and bring direct improvements for the contributions", explains Klaus-Peter Jansen, project manager at it's OWL Clustermanagement GmbH. "Topics are in particular the intelligent control of plants, tool location in the enterprise, the development of assistance systems and new services or new methods of the product development", sais Jansen.

Small enterprises (up to 50 employees) can receive up to 80 percent of the total costs for a transfer project, medium-sized enterprises (up to 249 employees) up to 60 percent. Two types of transfer projects are possible: analysis and conception contracts with research institutions (max. funding amount: EUR 20,000 ) as well as empowerment and implementation contracts (max. funding amount: EUR 40,000). A company can implement one project from each sector per year. The projects can also be based on each other or both variants may be combined with each other.

The application is submitted to it's OWL Clustermanagement with the offer of the research institute. After examination by the cluster management and the project management Jülich, a transfer voucher is issued, which is paid out after completion of the project.

Interested companies can consult it's OWL Clustermanagement GmbH and the transfer partners of it's OWL for advice on developing the idea and finding a research partner. Transfer partners of it's OWL are IHK Ostwestfalen, IHK Lippe, OWL Maschinenbau, InnoZent OWL, pro Wirtschaft GT and OWL GmbH.