The ego.-INKUBATOR “CAx”, with a digital workshop located in the Department of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Management, will provide anyone interested in founding a company with the necessary state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure:

• Professional tools for digital product development in the areas of CAD, CFD, FEM, MKS and multiphysics simulation

• In-depth materials testing using computer-aided ultrasonic simulation and phased array testing systems, laser vibrometers, laser vibromators and Imact test benches

• Mechanical engineering workshop with 3D scanner, 3D printer, CNC turning/milling centre, CA-supported production measurement technology, industrial robots and welding machines

• High-performance PC workstations coupled with use of the university infrastructure

Theego.-INKUBATOR “CAx” not only has a digital workshop with modern technology, but it also supports those interested in founding a company with professional advice right from the start. Our facilities and services include:

• Know-how in the fields of: Multi-physics simulation of complex systems, both static and dynamic relevant for mechanical engineering

• A Holistic view and digital simulation of all processes from design and prototype construction right up to the actual production and quality control

• Opportunities to cooperatively work in related disciplines and subjects such as User Centered Design, Usability Engineering, Interface Design, Technical Resiliency

• Professional and practical-orientated consulting from the initial idea to the implementation and testing

• Support through inter- and transdisciplinary exchanges (consultations, workshops, colloquia)

• Networking and establishing contacts to company networks; see start-up founders’ and alumni initiatives

• Test equipment rental, free use of hardware and software

In the summer of 2018, the ego.-INKUBATOR “CAx” started its work at the Department of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Management at the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. Ambitious goals were set for the end of the project in 2021. Here are some important dates and project milestones:

• In November of 2019 in Köthen: The official opening of the new Digital Workshop took place at the Department of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Management at the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences in Köthen

• In July of 2019 on the Köthen campus: We participated in the Landesschülerakademie (LASAK) (regional school academy for high school graduates, who are our future students) The LASAK offered interesting activities to raise high school graduates’ awareness for digitization in mechanical engineering.

• In Köthen and Dessau: The incubator “CAx” was represented at the university’s Open Day (information Day).

• June 19, 2019 in Zeitz: Participants in the start-up scene exchanged information about special opportunities for start-ups in rural regions, with interesting accounts of their experiences, they provided contacts and information on excellent networking opportunities.

• On March 23, 2019 in Halle: the ego.-INKUBATORS in Saxony-Anhalt met for the second time to exchange information on their experiences. This time the meeting was held on the high-tech campus of MLU.

• On January 30, 2019 in Bernburg: a cooperative workshop with ego.-INKUBATOR “UX-R” provided interface knowledge and an overview of the existing capacities and opened up potential areas for future cooperation.

• February 2019 in Köthen: The first potential incubator participant presented his start-up idea to the ego.-INKUBATOR “CAx” team and the university's Center for Entrepreneurship.

• November 29th, 2018 in Wernigerode: The ego.-INKUBATOR “CAx” presented itself to a supraregional audience within the scope of the research conference “Forschung [Mit-]: Erleben (Experiencing Research)" at the Hochschule Harz – Harz University of Applied Studies.

• November 30, 2018 in Bernburg: The ego.-INKUBATOR “CAx” introduced itself for the first time at the Start-Up Week at the university with its own presentation during the innovation workshop

• By the end of 2018: Most of the necessary professional hardware and software was procured at times with what were partly complex bidding procedures and with the support of the University IT Service Center. This ensured that the incubator would be operational starting from 2019.