State Invests Millions in Research for Southwest Saxony

Saxony plans to support structural change in the region of southwestern Saxony—which has traditionally been dominated by the automotive industry—with millions in investments in science. It is clear that the transformation process can only succeed through innovation and investment in research, said Science Minister Sebastian Gemkow (CDU) after the cabinet meeting in Dresden. “After all, we can all see how disruptive innovations have become, how innovation cycles are getting shorter and shorter, and how quickly this is changing the realities of life—including the world of work.”

Gemkow cited research projects at the technical universities in Chemnitz and Freiberg (Bergakademie), at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences and West Saxon University of Applied Sciences in Zwickau, at Fraunhofer Institutes, and at the Kurt Schwabe Institute in Meinsberg. But the list also included construction projects such as the modernization of student dormitories, the AI Institute in Plauen, the Technical Center and new high-tech center at West Saxon University of Applied Sciences, and the research platform for refrigeration and energy technology in Reichenbach. 

Chemnitz University of Technology to Get New Cleanroom

One of the major investments is the long-planned new cleanroom for research and technology development in the field of microelectronics and sensor technology at Chemnitz University of Technology. The cabinet has decided to use unspent EU funding to finance the project, which will cost just under 68 million euros. Subject to approval by the European Commission, this would allow for the realization of a major project that would benefit the entire region of Southwest Saxony.

Gemkow pointed out that, given the financial situation, the current budget poses challenges for all stakeholders in the fields of higher education and research. However, the government remains absolutely convinced that it must continue to invest in this area.

According to the ministry, investments in scientific projects and facilities are being made independently of the “Southwest Saxony Master Plan,” which has a budget of around 100 million euros. The plan is currently being drafted and is intended to support structural change. With regard to science and research, it involves 79 EU-funded projects in mechanical and plant engineering with a total budget of more than 80 million euros. The financial plan calls for projects totaling more than 200 million euros by 2031.