Digital Hub SBH

The Digital Hub SBH is the regional digital-hub initiative for the Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg (SBH) region in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is part of a consortium in which KIT acts via its branch office of the Smart Data Solution Center Baden-Württemberg (SDSC-BW) located at the St. Georgen Technology Centre (TZ). The hub serves as a physical contact point for SMEs in the region. The hub is based around four technological orientations (3D printing; Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning; Cyber-physical Systems/Internet of Things; Extended Reality (AR/VR)) and three fields of action (Education/Professional Training; Curriculum/Vocational Formation; Research & Development).

Support regional small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the SBH region by enabling access to smart data technologies and data-oriented business models. Develop and deliver education and professional training programs for data-analytics and industry-4.0 topics, for example a “Data Analyst” training format tailored for the region. Conduct research & development with regional SMEs to uncover hidden potentials in company data (so-called “potential analyses”), and facilitate scientific KPI-identification and follow-up funded projects.

Four key technology axes (3D printing; AI/ML; CPS/IoT; XR) ensure the hub is well-aligned with cutting-edge industry requirements. The “Data Analyst” program: KIT leads the development both of the curriculum and the software-technical content for on-site and distance learning. Focus on regional impact: the hub empowers SMEs in southwestern Germany (SBH region) to leverage data and innovation in a competitive environment. Strong collaboration: consortium partners include bwcon, Hahn Schickard, IHK Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg, Imzimity GmbH, KIT, TZ St. Georgen, Technology Mountains e.V., Virtual Dimension Center VDC TZ St. Georgen.

SMEs in the region gain access to modern smart-data resources and training, which can strengthen their competitive edge and innovation capacity in an increasingly data-driven economy. The hub facilitates a bridge between academic data science/R&D (via KIT and SDSC-BW) and local industry, helping ensure that research output translates into practice. By offering modular, accessible training and R&D support, the project contributes to workforce upskilling and regional digital transformation. The regional focus may serve as a model for how digital hubs can be tailored for SME ecosystems outside major metropolitan centres.