Innovation Campus for Security and Defense Launched

Network established in Stuttgart, with KIT participation, to address internal and external security threats
Network established in Stuttgart, with KIT participation, to address internal and external security threats Universität Stuttgart / Uli Regenscheit
Opening: Peter Middendorf, Rector of the University of Stuttgart; Cem Özdemir, Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg; Petra Olschowski, Minister for Science of Baden-Württemberg; Jan S. Hesthaven, President of KIT (from left to right)

Under the leadership of the University of Stuttgart, the sixth and, for the time being, final Innovation Campus in Baden-Württemberg has officially been launched. Its goal is to closely connect all key innovation stakeholders involved in security-related research. In addition to the University of Stuttgart, several other universities in Baden-Württemberg are participating, including in particular Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).

Contributing to Technological Sovereignty

Professor Jan S. Hesthaven, President of KIT, emphasized the importance of universities within the Innovation Campus: “In today’s new geopolitical reality, national security and strategic sovereignty are more important than ever. Every part of society must contribute what it can. Universities play a crucial role in this effort: they develop solutions and future technologies that help safeguard our civil society. KIT is committed to this responsibility, and we are proud to help shape the Innovation Campus for Security and Defense together with the University of Stuttgart.”

KIT contributes expertise in security-related research. This includes work in areas such as counter-drone technologies, sensor systems, and communications technologies aimed at identifying threats at an early stage. The protection of critical infrastructure and cybersecurity are also among KIT’s key research areas. Through its participation, KIT sees itself as contributing to greater technological sovereignty for both Germany and the European Union.

Opening Ceremony Attended by Political Leaders and Prominent Representatives from Across Society

Among those attending the opening ceremony on the University of Stuttgart’s Vaihingen campus were Cem Özdemir, Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg, Petra Olschowski, Minister for Science, Research and the Arts, Professor Peter Middendorf, Rector of the University of Stuttgart, and KIT President Hesthaven.

In addition to the participating universities, the Innovation Campus brings together Baden-Württemberg-based Fraunhofer Institutes, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), companies, and start-ups. Their shared goal is to analyze needs in the fields of security, resilience, and defense while accelerating the transition of innovative technologies from research into real-world applications. The Innovation Campus is funded by the state government of Baden-Württemberg.

ckö, October 13, 2026