The Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences carries out applied research and development with industry throughout the region. It sees itself as a link between basic research and application. In October 2004, the Institute of Applied Research (Institut für angewandte Forschung, IAF) was founded in order to administer and bundle all research activities. The IAF coordinates publicly funded research projects as well as contract research for industry. Research in the projects is usually carried out by graduates who are engaged as research staff and are supervised by project manager. With currently more than 45 research staff members, a constantly growing annual turnover, three published research reports as well as numerous scientific publications, conference contributions and awards the IAF has taken a fast-paced development. Worth highlighting is the development of an airbag activated by structure-borne noise which has been developed in cooperation with industry and won the award of the Bavarian state government for the best innovation in 2008.
The Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences actively conducts a market-oriented transfer of knowledge and technology by passing on its know-how to industry. Some very successful examples of this are qualified project work, prize-winning theses and extensive consulting and innovative development projects. The modernly equipped laboratories of the university are available to industry. The university promotes start-ups. Not only the students are prepared for self-employment: The university advises start-up companies and is also in charge of the region's business plan competition.
