Photo: THD
On June 30, 2026, DInO Day 2026 took place at the Grandsberger Hof in Schwarzach, organized by the DInO project—Digital Innovation East Bavaria (European Digital Innovation Hub, coordinated by Deggendorf University of Applied Sciences)—in which TechBase Regensburg GmbH participates as a partner alongside the Cluster Mobility & Logistics and the Upper Palatinate Digital Startup Initiative (DGO). The event was aimed at SMEs, craft businesses, startups, self-employed individuals, and public institutions from Eastern Bavaria. It focused on two equally important elements: practical insights into digitalization projects and direct access to regional networks—instead of lengthy technical presentations, the day featured short networking pitches, concrete real-world examples, and plenty of opportunities for discussion.
Welcome and Networking Pitches
Kathrin Zellner, Vice President of the Lower Bavaria/Upper Palatinate Chamber of Crafts, opened the event, which was moderated by Stephanie Fichtl, Managing Director of GreG Freyung-Grafenau. This was followed by concise networking pitches in which regional networks and initiatives introduced themselves: the Lower Bavaria Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), Ecosystem Smart Lower Bavaria, the Lower Bavaria Forum, the Augsburg Center for Digital SMEs, the Upper Palatinate District, Women Entrepreneurs in the Skilled Trades, the Federation of the Self-Employed, innen:raum, and the Lower Bavaria/Upper Palatinate Chamber of Skilled Trades itself.
Workshop Session: Funding Workshop Organized by the Cluster
The workshop session offered a choice of three parallel, practical formats, including the workshop “Funding 101: What Should You Keep in Mind?” hosted by the Cluster Mobility & Logistics. There, project manager Leonie Bechtold, together with DInO, primarily clarified terminology and provided practical know-how regarding funding—from research grants and the Digital Bonus to innovation vouchers. Some participants already had concrete experience with funding programs such as ZIM or the DigitalBonus.Bayern, which led to a lively exchange of ideas.
Keynote: Digitalization in Scaffolding Up Close
Following the networking lunch, entrepreneur Jeanette Spanier-Stark, managing director of Spanier Bichler GmbH, provided concrete insights into the digitalization of her family-owned scaffolding business: using digital building twins for planning and documentation, a custom-designed app for day-to-day work on the construction site, and the use of drones in scaffolding planning. The keynote clearly demonstrated how a long-established craft business is strategically using digital technologies to achieve greater efficiency and precision.
Panel Discussion and Networking
In the panel discussion titled “Successfully Digitized,” Johann Mooslechner (Synnotech AG), Stefan Thür and Philip Autengruber (Wimmer Wohnkollektion), Christian Kirsch (Passion4IT), Stefan Penninger (Alte Hausbrennerei Penninger), and Manuel Dehmel (VIOCON GmbH) discussed the opportunities and challenges of digitalization in their companies. Starting at 2:30 p.m., there was time for open networking at the Grandsberger Hof.
Outlook
The DInO – Digital Innovation Ostbayern project is nearing its end. Starting in September 2026, the follow-up project, EDIH DInA, will continue to provide services for businesses and public institutions in Bavaria. TechBase Regensburg GmbH, with its innovation networks Cluster Mobility & Logistics and AIR-Artificial Intelligence Regensburg, will continue to be responsible for funding. We will provide information about the specific offerings in a timely manner.