ebm-papst convinces with innovation strength and is an excellent Top Innovator 2025

For the third time, the technology leader ebm-papst is awarded the Top 100 Award. (Image: ebm-papst)

On behalf of the R&D and Innovation Management teams, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Tomas Smetana, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the ebm-papst Group, accepts the Top 100 Award. (Image: ebm-papst)

On behalf of the R&D and Innovation Management teams, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Tomas Smetana, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the ebm-papst Group, accepts the Top 100 Award. (Image: ebm-papst)

The innovation cluster managers are visibly pleased with the award of the Top 100 Award. (Image: ebm-papst)

Innovation is a core guiding principle deeply embedded in the corporate culture of the fan and motor manufacturer ebm-papst, based in Mulfingen. Now, the company's innovative strength has been recognized for the third time with the TOP 100 award. The competition honors particularly innovative medium-sized companies. In a scientific selection process, the innovation activities were evaluated based on more than 100 criteria.

The basis of TOP 100 is a scientific selection process led by innovation researcher Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Franke. The innovation strength of the participants was analyzed based on more than 100 criteria, which are divided into five categories: top management promoting innovation, innovation climate, innovative processes and organization, external orientation / open innovation, and innovation success. At its core, it is about whether innovations are the result of a structured innovation management within the companies or rather happen by chance. "Innovation means acting instead of reacting," says Franke, "it means actively shaping the future instead of hoping that nothing changes."

Innovations enable efficiency leaps

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Tomas Smetana, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the ebm-papst Group, emphasizes the importance of innovation strength for the global market leader from Mulfingen: "True innovation occurs where efficiency meets enthusiasm – and both are driven by humanity. As a technology leader, we develop and produce high-quality components and systems for air and heating technology. The symbiosis of our long-standing product experience with the possibilities of digitalization and AI ensures further efficiency leaps that are essential for the energy transition. We do not rely on the creativity of individuals but create an environment where innovative ideas can constantly grow in the minds of all employees. Therefore, we as a team are very pleased to belong to Germany's innovation forefront. An innovative medium-sized company forms the supporting pillar for sustainable growth and secures long-term prosperity in Germany and the EU."

Ongoing commitment to "glocal" innovations

The award underscores the ongoing commitment to securing the medium-sized company's innovation strength and technological leadership in the long term. In recent years, ebm-papst has invested heavily in R&D infrastructure at its Mulfingen site. For example, an EMC laboratory (2021, €12 million), an testing center (2023, €8 million), the HighSpeed technical center (2024, €15 million), and the E-Drive Solution Labs (2025, €30 million) have been put into operation. Additionally, the Mulfingen team continues to strengthen its "glocal" presence in relevant markets, such as through the new Chinese headquarters "OneShanghai" (moving in 2024), the expansion of the Xi'an plant in China (2025, €30 million), a plant in Telford, USA (2022, $30 million), and the expansion of the production and development site in Farmington, USA (2024, €3 million).