The Biointelligence Engine
The Stuttgart Technology & Innovation Campus (S-TEC) has launched another interdisciplinary and cross-institute research and transfer centre: The Biointelligence Engine supports companies in connecting biology, engineering and computer science – for more efficient processes, resilient products and sustainable business models. Whether entering the field or scaling: We help to identify potential, develop concepts and implement funded projects – together with experts from research and industry. That way, bio-intelligence becomes a concrete solution for real challenges.
For companies who are working today on the solutions of tomorrow!
Applications are open now until November 6, 2025!
You can get in touch with our centre management team here:
The centre is funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economics, Labour and Tourism and the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund).
Offers & Collaboration –
How we support your company
The project “The Biointelligence Engine” brings together the expertise of the research institutions Fraunhofer IPA, Fraunhofer IGB, the University of Stuttgart and the University of Hohenheim.
Our goal is to create an innovation ecosystem that contributes to the sustainable transformation of industry. In doing so, we bring the future theme of bio-intelligent value creation — which describes the convergence of bio-, hardware- and software-technologies — into practice. We further develop and implement innovative ideas from research together with companies and start-ups in the fields of Life Sciences & Nutrition, AgriTech & FoodTech, Process Industry, Manufacturing Industry and IT & Automation.
To realise this, we offer various project formats:
– Quick Checks
– Exploring Projects
– Feasibility Studies
With a comprehensive transfer programme – consisting of a summer school, lecture series, innovation internships, cluster workshop series, the Biointelligence Congress and further networking events – we also aim to anchor bio-intelligence in education and raise awareness among policy makers and decision-makers.
Together with you and with support from associations and networks, we want to actively shape a sustainable industrial future.
What bio-intelligence means for your industry
Bio-intelligent approaches open up new perspectives for numerous industries. We support companies in addressing the specific challenges of their industry through biologically inspired principles and technologies – from Life Sciences through to the process industry and manufacturing industry and IT.
Life Science & Nutrition
High innovation pressure, increasing requirements and complex approval processes: Bio-intelligence opens up new paths for production and product development.
- How can automation and robotics enable cost-efficient and flexible production infrastructures?
- How can processes be controlled efficiently through inline-sensing, monitoring systems and Process Analytical Technologies (PAT)?
- How can biotechnological solutions be developed faster and applied in a targeted way?
- What optimization potential arises from AI, digital twinning, modelling and simulation?
- What economic and ecological opportunities do bio-intelligent production offer?
AgriTech & FoodTech
From the field to the factory: Bio-intelligent methods create sustainable and economically viable solutions across the entire value chain.
- How do efficient bio- and carrier materials for food 3D-printing contribute to sustainable and cost-effective production processes?
- How can the use of dynamic digital twins improve quality assurance in food?
- How can the resilience and sustainability of nutrition be increased through biomarkers and precise fermentation techniques?
- What potential do tailor-made sensor technologies and AI-based image recognition offer for new business fields?
- How does bio-intelligent agricultural technology increase efficiency and sustainability in agriculture?
Process industry
Fragile supply chains, high energy prices, growing regulation: With bio-intelligence, processes can be made more resource-efficient.
- What is bio-intelligence and what potentials does it hold for the process industry?
- How can biological alternatives be integrated into production processes to increase efficiency and sustainability?
- What possibilities do bio-intelligent processes offer for sustainability and circularity?
- How can new business models emerge through bio-intelligence and what competencies are needed for them?
Manufacturing Industry
Adaptive systems, new materials, efficient production: Bio-intelligence supports transformation towards resilient, future-proof production.
- What does bio-intelligence mean for innovative products and processes?
- How can bio-intelligent approaches revolutionise products and processes?
- What new business models and strategies emerge through bio-intelligence?
IT & Automation
AI, sensor technology, and digital twins enable new biointelligent applications – as products, services, or integral components of production processes.
- What are the opportunities and potential of biointelligence in digital solutions?
- How can digital technologies make products and processes in the life sciences biointelligent?
- Which new business models and skills emerge through biointelligent IT solutions?
Have we sparked your interest in biointelligence?
Let’s research your ideas together!
Project Formats – from Idea to Prototype
Quick Checks
Would you like to find out how your company can benefit from biointelligence?
With our Quick Check, you’ll receive initial answers in just one or two workshops and within a few weeks.
Together, we analyze your strategic opportunities and technological challenges – and develop concrete recommendations for action as well as initial solution ideas.
This gives you quick orientation and a clear roadmap for your next steps.
Exploring Project
Take it a step further: in the Exploring Project, we support your company in purposefully integrating biointelligence into your strategy and technology development.
Together, we design future-proof business models, develop innovative prototype concepts, and show you how to overcome your technological challenges.
You receive customized results that are convincing both at the management and technology level.
Feasibility Study
You want to know for sure: is your biointelligent solution technologically feasible?
In our Feasibility Study, we develop prototypes or demonstrators within up to nine months and provide you with a sound validation of a technology.
This reduces investment risks, increases decision-making confidence, and creates the foundation for successful industrial implementation.
Take the opportunity to position your company as a pioneer in biointelligence.
What happens next?
Just suggest your idea along with a contact person for implementation and submit it to our center management. We’re happy to help you choose the right format and guide you through your application. Feel free to reach out to us:
Center partner
Fraunhofer IPA
Phone +49 711 970-1957
Send email
Universität Stuttgart
Phone +49 711 970-1693
Send email
Universität Hohenheim
Phone 0711-459-22827 und 0173-8006203 (Mobiltelefon)
Send email
Fraunhofer IGB
Phone +497119704034
Send email
Funded by
The S-TEC Center for Biointelligent Value Creation, called The Biointelligence Engine, is funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism and the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) program of the European Union:
FAQ
- What is Biointelligence?
Biointelligence is the result of the convergence of biological, engineering, and information sciences, and it has the potential to trigger a new technological paradigm, opening up innovative transformation pathways across many fields. - What are Biointelligent Systems?
Biointelligent systems contain at least one biological, one technical, and one informational component: bio-, hardware, and software. Intensive information exchange between the biological and technological components—via sensors, actuators, as well as monitoring and control systems (informational component)—enables intelligent, autonomous, and self-optimizing operation. Biointelligent systems are intended to contribute to the sustainable design of products and production in various areas of human need, including health, nutrition, energy, housing, and consumption. They aim to use resources efficiently while striving to harmonize with both their natural environment and surrounding systems. - How complex is the implementation?
The effort and costs depend on the project scope and your individual level of maturity. We support you step by step—from initial funded quick checks to prototype development. In the process, you work closely with experts from research and industry, enabling you to build targeted competencies. This ensures that the transformation is carried out efficiently and economically. - What is the best way to proceed?
If you are interested in biointelligence or already have an idea of how to leverage it in your company, simply contact us via one of the buttons above. We will get in touch to help refine your project idea, identify the right contact person, and select a specially tailored S-TEC project format through which you can apply for funding.
