FUTURED. ZAL Magazin 2023

IMPULSES & OUTLOOK
In the end, the expansion
will blend in with the overall
overall architecture of ZAL,
as though it had always been
there.
22
THE FORMATION
OF A CAMPUS
“We are expanding ZAL according to the principle
'bigger, better, visionary.' This means that
we not only want to grow for our partners, but
also offer more options!” says Roland Gerhards,
CEO at ZAL GmbH. In practical terms,
this implies that flex offices for coworking as
well as a so-called Open Hangar Space for practical
work will be created as a part of the newly
developed space. The offer is meant to enable
alternating parties to carry out temporary
projects at ZAL. The composition of the teams,
their size, the equipment needed and the duration
of the use of the space can be flexibly
arranged. If required, the ZAL Innovation Service
offers technical support, e. g. in the area
of prototype construction, or methodical coaching
by innovation managers.
In addition, ZAL is being expanded to include a
startup ecosystem. Players from Hamburg’s innovation
landscape form the basis of this.
Their intention is to bundle existing synergies
of the location and make them accessible for
aviation in concrete projects on site at ZAL. For
example, start-ups are brought together with
coaching and funding programs and financiers,
measures that are intended to support the settlement
of technology- and hardware-savvy,
mature start-ups. In this way, ZAL is to develop
into a campus where start-ups can network
with research partners and potential customers.
The resulting new projects can be implemented
on site in the flexible working environment.
Any engineering support or agile
coaching is available as needed.
The expansion
promises more creative
space for researchers.