Innovative start-up center Riz: Bayreuth's future in focus!

Innovative start-up center Riz: Bayreuth's future in focus!

Today I can present you news from Bayreuth that is shaking up the heart of the innovation and start-up landscape there. The Regional Innovation and Incubation Center, better known as Riz, is at the center of an ambitious project that has vital importance for the future of the region. Heribert Trunk, the former President of the IHK for Upper Franconia and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Bayreuth since 2013, emphasizes in a recent guest article that it is high time to set the right course to make the Riz a key place for founders and innovators. Rumors of a groundbreaking adaptation of the Riz have been circulating for over a decade, and now it could finally be happening. courier reports that regional development can be significantly advanced through the Riz.

But what are the plans for this innovation factory going forward? There is a new institute in the starting blocks: the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (E&I), which is to be implemented in close cooperation with the RIZ. Bayreuther Tagblatt reports that the original plans have shrunk from 2500 square meters to a more modest 1500 square meters. Nevertheless, the new building will consist of two interconnected parts and be five floors high, which promises enormous potential for the green scene, even if the resulting adjustments are already being discussed.

A look into the future

The building committee formulated the first ideas about the cooperation between the city and the university on November 15, 2021. An interim location, the Startup Point in Bayreuth, will be used until the Riz opens. An energy field for founders, innovation areas as well as seminar and workshop rooms will be created - all in a saved 1500 square meters. In addition, the State Building Authority has suggested developing a separate concept for the urban part of the Riz in order to implement all aspects properly.

The feedback from politicians is mixed. While CSU parliamentary group leader Stefan Specht praises the plans as sensible, Second Mayor Andreas Zippel (SPD) expresses concerns about the timing of the construction. BG parliamentary group leader Stephan Müller remains skeptical and sees many questions that need to be clarified. The concerns about a possible reduction in state funding by the government of Upper Franconia also seem justified.

The role of innovation centers in Germany

What does all of this mean for the network structure in Germany? The Federal Association of German Innovation, Technology and Start-up Centers (BVIZ) will play an essential role in promoting and networking the innovation centers. With more than 157 members and a clear vision for technology transfer and business start-ups, the BVIZ is the most important contact in Germany for start-up centers. The Berlin-based professionals are committed to innovation in the German economy and promote the exchange of experiences between different players.

The road ahead for Riz in Bayreuth may be rocky, but with the right support and innovative ideas, it seems like the region can thrive. Stay tuned, because there will undoubtedly be a lot of movement in the start-up landscape here!