Membership of the Innoclub gives us the opportunity to further develop our innovative strength in a targeted manner and at the same time expand our network in one of Germany's most dynamic regions," explains Achim Dries, CEO of the Vahle Group, and adds: "We see the Innoclub as the ideal platform for providing new impetus together with other companies and start-ups and for developing innovative solutions through the exchange of knowledge, resources and experience."

"Actively shaping the economic transformation"

As an internationally active system provider, Vahle offers intelligent solutions for flexible energy and data transmission, positioning and control. The company's main target industries include intralogistics, crane technology, automotive production, port technology and other industries. By joining the Innoclub, the company aims to reaffirm its commitment to innovation in the areas of digitalization, decarbonization, regionalization and demographic change.

"Our goal is not just to be innovative as a company, but to actively shape the economic transformation. In the Innoclub, we meet like-minded people who share this vision and gain access to a carefully selected group of excellent start-ups," Dries continues. "Together with our experts, mentors and partners, we want to promote promising technologies and ideas that will make a positive contribution to society in the long term."

Innoclub: Exchange between start-ups and SMEs

The Innoclub offers a platform for cross-industry collaboration where innovative ideas can be developed and realized. Through its membership, Vahle wants to actively contribute to strengthening innovation in the region and promote the exchange between established companies and start-ups: In the Innoclub, established companies meet a curated selection of start-ups to inspire each other and share experiences, knowledge, skills and resources. The local sponsors of this project include Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Dortmund Economic Development Corporation, Dortmund University of Technology and the International School of Management. The official opening of the Innoclub took place on January 24 at the Technologie-Zentrum Dortmund.