In recent months, a plan has been drawn up for the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) – the industrial research facility located directly opposite UT’s main entrance. The collaboration with Germany’s Fraunhofer has, in recent years, fallen out of financial balance. With revenue of less than €10 million, losses exceeded €4 million. The facility is also expected to post a deficit of €1.2 million this calendar year.
Additional UT investment
Hence the need for a revised business case. This states that the Executive Board considers the Advanced Manufacturing Center to be of strategic importance to the university. In return, however, the facility has until 2029 to become financially viable.
According to the new plan, this will be achieved in several ways. On the revenue side, UT itself will make an additional investment of several hundred thousand euros, subject to certain conditions. In addition, faculties making use of the AMC will be charged more. On the expenditure side, housing and energy costs will be allocated differently. Campus & Facility Management will also become responsible for renting out part of the building that the AMC does not use.
Exit strategy
With this new business case, the aim is for the AMC to break even from 2027. The Faculty of ET, which was already the lead partner, will take on greater financial responsibility. UT will also support the facility through Marketing & Communication, Finance, and Strategic Business Development. After 2029, the AMC should be able to stand on its own feet financially.
If the AMC fails to turn things around, an exit strategy is included in the business case. The Executive Board plans to make a final decision by the end of 2029.
The business case will be presented to the University Council for advice next Wednesday, which intends to issue a positive recommendation.
