Tyrolean companies gain competitive advantage through materials science network

Unique networking project concluded successfully: University of Innsbruck and MCI initiated qualification measures in nano- and materials science – ten renowned Tyrolean companies seized the opportunity to strengthen their expertise

In the presence of Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Teaching of the University of Innsbruck Bernhard Fügenschuh and MCI Rector Andreas Altmann, the Entrepreneurial School® recently celebrated the successful completion of the QUALIMAT Project. The initiative launched in cooperation with the University of Innsbruck in 2014 was funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency.

The qualifications network created a strong foundation for Tyrolean companies to advance research in nano- and materials science. Ten renowned companies – Adler Lacke, CarbonCompetence, Ionicon Analytik, IonOXess, Luxner Engineering ZT, PhysTech Coating Technology, SunPlugged Photovoltaics, Swarovski, Swarovski Optik, and Tunap Cosmetics – seized the opportunity to become part of a sustainable network and strengthen their expertise.
Providing well-founded training in materials production for select employees of the participating companies, the two-year project aimed to promote research and development as well as innovation. Six modules adapted to the particular needs of the participants allowed them to develop further competence and gain new insights into theory and practice.

All partners were greatly satisfied with the innovative cooperation project: they particularly benefited from the increase in know-how as well as the exchange of experience and informal networking with other business representatives. A follow-up project is already being planned.

Statements

Thomas Herrman Obholzer, IonOXess: “Qualimat stands out due to perfect organization and high quality of teaching. The knowledge I gained by participating in the project improves my productivity on a daily basis.”

Andreas Fritsch, Swarovski: “Qualimat creates a space for flexible and informal exchange with colleagues from different sectors without neglecting predefined learning goals. The skillful combination of theory and practice ensures participants never get bored and, on top of this, facilitates networking between employees of Tyrolean companies.”

Doris Steinmüller-Nethl, CarbonCompetence: “The materials science network funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency provides an unprecedented opportunity for companies in and around Innsbruck to gain additional expertise in various branches of materials science. Moreover, it enables participants to form potential partnerships with the University of Innsbruck, Management Center Innsbruck, and other participants.”

Marco Rupprich, MCI Department for Environmental, Process & Energy Engineering: “Qualimat creates a unique platform allowing us to focus our efforts and advance the development of expertise. Newly gained insights are shared immediately benefiting participating companies and increasing their competitiveness in a sustainable manner.”

We congratulate Manuel Berger, Nikolaus Weinberger, Jakob Arnold, Walter Hinterlechner, Thomas Obholzer, Andreas Nischan, Johannes Obleitner, Daniel Huber, Martin Spruck, Sebastian Wachsmuth, Andreas Fritsch und Daniel Stix, who were given a certificate for their participation.

Press contact

Universität Innsbruck:
Christian Flatz
Tel.: +43 512 507-32022
Christian.Flatz@uibk.ac.at

MCI Management Center Innsbruck
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