The technology roadmaps for the German High-Tech Agenda (HTAD), published on 20 May 2026, set out clear priorities for research and innovation policy. The Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), with its Leibniz Innovation Farm for Sustainable Bioeconomy (InnoHof®), is designated as Central Infrastructure in the roadmap for biotechnology.
The HTAD serves as a strategic framework for the targeted promotion of research and innovation in Germany and for developing solutions to major societal challenges. In a comprehensive consultation process to draw up the roadmaps for the HTAD, the institutes of the Leibniz Association were called upon to contribute their expertise on key technologies.
The new roadmaps represent a milestone in that they consistently call for cross-ministerial collaboration and shared responsibility among science, industry and politics to strengthen Germany’s technological sovereignty. The Leibniz Association is clearly named as an implementation partner in the key technologies of microelectronics, quantum technology and biotechnology.
Leibniz InnovationHof: A driving force for the bioeconomy
Within this strategic framework, ATB’s InnoHof® is highlighted as a Central Infrastructure for technology transfer within industrial biotechnology. It embodies the bridge between scientific excellence and economic practice, thereby bringing the Leibniz guiding principle of ‘theoria cum praxi’ to life. As a demonstration and transfer centre, the InnoHof® enables companies and start-ups to test new biotechnological processes and bring them to market maturity.
“The explicit mention of our InnoHof in the High-Tech Agenda is a tremendous recognition of our work,” said Prof. Dr Barbara Sturm, Scientific Director of ATB. “It confirms that co-creation and the transfer of research into application are the decisive levers for the transformation towards a sustainable bioeconomy. This is both a mandate and an incentive to actively shape the future in collaboration with our partners.”
Cross-departmental collaboration within strong networks
ATB’s contribution is a prime example of the combined excellence of the Leibniz Association. Together with the IHP – Leibniz Institute for Innovative Microelectronics, the Ferdinand Braun Institute, Leibniz Institute for High-Frequency Technology (FBH) and the Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies (Leibniz-IPHT), this demonstrates how interdisciplinary research can contribute to achieving strategic goals. Furthermore, close collaboration with strong national and international partners from science, industry, practice and politics is crucial. Only with our strong network, including the Leibniz Institutes and universities, can we tackle the major challenges of our time.
A crucial foundation for this success was laid by the State of Brandenburg, which supported the InnoHof with visionary start-up funding of 25 million euros. ATB would like to extend particular thanks to Minister Dr Manja Schüle and the Ministry of Science, Research and Culture (MWFK), as well as Member of the State Parliament Johannes Funke, for their continuous and active support.
Recognition in the German High-Tech Agenda is a commitment for ATB to continue driving forward the development of key technologies for a circular and sustainable bioeconomy. The institute will continue to actively contribute its expertise in the future to strengthen Germany’s technological sovereignty and shape the transition towards a sustainable future.
Further information
The technology roadmaps of the High-Tech Agenda Germany can be viewed here:
The German government is inviting the public to take part in a six-week online consultation on the roadmaps: