New foundation location: Community Opening

Date

12. March 2026

Location

Defense Barracks Erfurt

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In the early evening, the new rooms in the Defensionskaserne Erfurt were filled with people looking out over the rooftops of Erfurt. More than 150 guests, who have been working with the foundation for many years to develop talent, promote science and business and bring new impetus to the innovation ecosystem, came to the community opening where ideas will emerge, collaborations will grow and innovation projects will begin.

The courage factor

The Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees, Thuringia’s Minister of Economics Colette Boos-John, emphasized the special symbolism of the location in her welcoming address. The Petersberg and the defensive barracks stand for history and tradition like hardly any other place in Erfurt – now a new chapter is beginning and the place will be the starting point for new developments. Innovation arises where people have the courage to think and try out new things. It is precisely this “courage factor” that is decisive for economic and technological development and that has also characterized the work of the foundation for many years.

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Focus on innovation

The Executive Board team Christiane Kilian and Dr. Sven Günther looked back on the development of the institution. Innovation is a driver for talent, technological developments, excellent research and a strong, sustainable economy. This is precisely where the foundation’s work comes in, by bringing players together, facilitating projects and supporting new ideas.

»Über 30 Jahre Transformationsgeschichte liegen hinter uns – mit Momenten des Umbruchs und Momenten des Aufbruchs. Was uns durch all diese Phasen getragen hat, ist eine Konstante: Innovation. Aus ihr entsteht unsere Zuversicht, Zukunft zu gestalten.«

Encounter, exchange and cooperation

The evening itself showed that this approach works. The opening turned into a lively community meeting. Between conversations, new contacts and many familiar faces, it became clear how important places are where people can come together, exchange ideas and work together on future topics.

The new spaces on the Petersberg are intended to stand for precisely this: for encounters, exchange and collaboration. For an innovation ecosystem in which networks can grow and new projects can emerge. With visionary foresight, but with a focus on Thuringia.

Innovation rarely happens alone – it happens where people come together.