Silicon Valley in the vineyards of Rheinhessen

The backlighting for ISFT screens

ISFT screens can be used industrially everywhere

Klaus Wammes demonstrated his patented shadow-free light

Speakers Opening Technology Park Gundersheim: Wammes, Raab, Blankenbach

A technology park and its new concept of a network of various established high-tech companies, including start-ups, in the field of applied physics was presented by Klaus Wammes, Managing Director of Wammes & Partner GmbH, on August 19, 2015, at his location in Gundersheim near Worms. During several lectures, representatives from politics, business, and science gathered on the company's premises to discuss the opportunities and advantages that could arise from synergies and potential joint projects for the development and know-how in the area of display and lighting technology, as well as the Rheinland-Pfalz location.

With the presented concept, Klaus Wammes (55) aims to make the technical know-how needed by companies tangible and accessible on demand. Currently, three companies are united under his GmbH umbrella. Now, new companies are being sought that deal with related high-tech topics: from fundamental physical research to software development, expert assessments, and technical marketing. "Here, a location is to be created with many globally well-connected specialists around the theme of display and lighting. Expert knowledge required for analysis, modification, and repair of components, embedded systems, and even entire device concepts can thus be provided and accessed quickly, cost-effectively, and efficiently," says Wammes.

Other guest speakers included Heike Raab, State Secretary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate at the federal and European level, Günter Jertz, Managing Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Rheinhessen, and Prof. Dr. Karlheinz Blankenbach, Professor at Pforzheim University and Chairman of the German Flat Display Forum. State Secretary Heike Raab praised the founder Wammes for his great commitment, which benefits the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Raab: "With today’s day, you are giving the starting signal to integrate new companies into the technology park in the near future and to jointly research and develop in the field of display and lighting technology. We, the state government, also want to work with you to advance these projects. The technology park is a seed that germinates and hopefully will grow into a vine."

Complementing the state secretary, Günther Jertz described Wammes as a globally active innovator. His company operates internationally today. Additionally, Wammes not only provides opportunities for established companies but also for start-ups to be part of innovative solutions through the pooling of know-how in applied physics. "For Wammes, Taiwan and China are just as close as Frankfurt and Darmstadt. I see a small Silicon Valley emerging in Gundersheim in the vineyards of Rheinhessen," said Jertz. Professor Blankenbach even envisions a "Light Valley" emerging from Wammes’ concepts. For him, the topic of light technology is ubiquitous through the internet, as information is transmitted via fiber optics, i.e., light. Blankenbach: "A company with a network like Wammes can tackle major challenges."

Wammes plans to implement the physical setup on his own land. In Gundersheim, about 4,000 square meters of office, functional, and cleanroom space are available, with units up to 1,000 square meters for rent to other companies. The location is about 40 minutes by car from Frankfurt Airport, with direct access to the A61 motorway. Due to this central location within Germany, Gundersheim is also suitable as a German branch for internationally operating companies. A combination that allows for immediate productivity while optimizing costs. Wammes: "Ultimately, a service center with a wealth of locally available know-how and experience, as well as a broad range of services, will be created. From professionals for professionals, under one roof, independent of manufacturers."