Innovation Ecosystem Kemnath is a visionary joint initiative of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (hereafter refered to as DIT) and the OTH Amberg-Weiden (hereafter refered to as OTH AW), aimed at transforming the rural region of Northern Bavaria into a high-impact innovation and entrepreneurship hub. By combining DIT’s globally connected programs with OTH AW’s deep regional engagement, the project exemplifies how higher education can drive sustainable economic transformation in non-metropolitan areas.
The ecosystem supports the entire entrepreneurial journey—from early-stage ideation to international scaling—and is designed as a coordinated funnel model: OTH AW leads the initial phases of scouting, sensitizing, qualification, and incubation, while DIT takes over in the advanced stages of acceleration, investment readiness, and scaling. This structure ensures a seamless and targeted support system for entrepreneurial talent and innovation transfer.
A key highlight is DIT‘s Silicon Valley Program (SVP)—a scientifically grounded, entrepreneurially validated framework that guides startup teams through nine months of intensive development. Modules cover venture analysis, market entry, investor readiness and IP protection, and are supported by top-tier mentors from Silicon Valley institutions such as Santa Clara University and the German Accelerator. THD also offers a Silicon Valley Spinoff Class, providing founders and professionals with immersive exposure to global innovation ecosystems and leading tech players.OTH AW complements this with the StartUp Incubator Kemnath, embedded in the regional context and focused on connecting local talent to international networks. It includes co-working, mentoring, and the planned English-language Master’s program in Entrepreneurship & Innovation, which will offer a structured academic pathway to support and scale high-potential startup teams.
Ecosystem Kemnath demonstrates how universities can activate regional potential and serve as engines for global competitiveness.
