Alexander Bastron

Working with German OEMs on a Mobility (you still say Automobile) Strategy since 2008. They know since 15 years or more what they have to do: they just have to do it. The CxU has stood in the way of innovation in mobility and energy for over 16 years - transportation ministers and the VDA have torpedoed all chances of change: bringing us up to this point. And you continue to ask the wrong people for strategy, and have the wrong people to execute: and anyone aware and watching this sees that the VDA and yourself are complicit.

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2026, I stand by my estimate, will be the year of the solid state battery in production.   Over 400Wh/kg, 40% lower manufacturing costs, higher safety should be presented. I think service life and robust manufacturing processes are still difficult steps, especially with solid electrolytes.    At least SAIC is now committing itself and underpinning my assessment. Other manufacturers have also written a lot about this in recent months and with the intermediate steps of the semi-solid-state battery, SSSB has ambitions to use them this year (Nio and also SAIC)   However, my assumption is supported much more by the consortium called China All-Solid-State Battery Collaborative Innovation Platform (CASIP). This is an alliance of major Chinese battery manufacturers, tech companies and car manufacturers (e.g. CATL, CALB, EVE Energy, SVOLT, Gotion High-Tech, BYD battery subsidiary FinDreams, BYD and Nio) with the aim of developing and producing competitive solid-state batteries and establishing supply chains. They no longer want to give up their lead.   Challenge accepted, I would say.   #battery #development #europe

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"We [Germany] are on the way to becoming a developing country...we’ve become a junk shop". - Theodor Weimer, CEO of Deutsche Börse. 😬 Everything seems totally normal and fine in Europe's largest economy. 😳 🤣 "Our reputation in the world has never been as bad as it is now. Never before." Well...I mean...come on...we at least know that's not true. It is Germany you're talking about after all. https://lnkd.in/eAzRyuXP 🇩🇪 🍺 🥨 #stocks #finance #banks #banking #money #business #tech #technology #innovation #startups #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #vc #venturecapital

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🎙️I recently had the pleasure of joining Max Ostermeier on his podcast, the Startcast Podcast. Max invited me to share my journey as a founder – from the very beginning to where we are today with MVP Factory. In our conversation, we delved into the lessons I've learned along the way, my perspective on startups and the mindset shift of Zebras vs Unicorns, founding in times of crisis, and some of the incredible projects like Yarded we're working on at MVP Factory.
 Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just curious about our journey with MVP Factory, listen in and share your thoughts with me. We covered a lot of ground, from the early challenges to the innovative solutions we're bringing to life today:
 🔹 The pivotal moments in my entrepreneurial journey 🔹 Insights on building and scaling startups  🔹 Behind-the-scenes stories from MVP Factory projects  🔹 How joining Ness Digital Engineering enables us to drive more innovation A big thank you to Max for the invitation, the great conversation, and your patience (it took us a while to find an appointment). I'm looking forward to part two ;) I hope you all enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed recording it! 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: ▶️Spotify | https://lnkd.in/ddhf9ywf ▶️Apple I https://lnkd.in/dFmBuVG5 #Startcast #Startups #MVPFactory #Innovation 

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𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿'𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 As driving simulators gain traction in automotive development, the industry seeks solutions that are not only high-performance but also cost-effective, with clear ROI and a fast track to SOP. At the 𝟭𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, Dr. Gerd Baumann from FKFS will provide an in-depth look into the tailored design and optimization of driving simulators to meet specific customer needs. Drawing from FKFS’s extensive experience since designing the Stuttgart Driving Simulator in 2009, Gerd will outline the process of developing custom simulation solutions. By analyzing requirements across vehicle domains - chassis/vehicle dynamics, powertrain, HMI/UX, ADAS/AD, and NVH - FKFS creates a simulator specification that aligns with both current and emerging industry demands. Attendees will gain insights into the comprehensive methodology, from initial requirements analysis to “request for quotation,” with real-world examples illustrating each stage. Gerd will also discuss the integration of cutting-edge motion cueing algorithms and considerations for infrastructure, safety, and security. Be sure to experience the FKFS Stuttgart Driving Simulator live at the Symposium and see how FKFS’s design approach brings optimized simulation facilities to life for maximum operational benefit. Join us: https://lnkd.in/eZUnzE2V #ASCS #FKFS #StuttgartDrivingSimulator #Simulation #DrivingSimulation #SDS

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Size isn't everything

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It’s always nice to be back at Technische Universität München - and hard to believe it’s already close to seven years since I started my own journey at the university. Thanks to Anna Efa, Eckehard Steinbach and the TUM Venture Labs team for the invitation and the chance to share insights into all things autonomous driving, our approach at driveblocks, the technology behind it as well as the business models and strategies around it. The key messages of the talk were: 💡While autonomous driving leverages a lot of artificial intelligence, safety is paramount and can’t be compromised. This changes a lot of the development dynamic compared to „standard“ AI. 💡 Data collection and management is a much bigger part of the efforts required - this has to be considered from a technical as well as from a business model point of view. 💡 We focus on early commercial deployments of the technology in industrial and commercial vehicle applications. This helps in growing the technology as well as the business and working with the certification bodies on the regulation aspects. And now back to building 🚀 #mapless #autonomousdriving #autonomoustrucks

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🚀 Buying is the new recruitment + TURBO for development In today's fast-paced business world, German SMEs are finding success through strategic partnerships with startups, even on a smaller scale. 🌟 Let’s consider the example of “CarTech”, a Berlin-based startup that developed an AI-powered platform for optimizing used car sales. In 2024, Auto 1 Group, a major European used car trading platform, acquired CarTech. The integration of CarTech’s technology streamlined Auto 1 Group’s processes, improved pricing accuracy, and expanded its market reach across Europe. This successful acquisition played a pivotal role in Auto 1 Group’s transformation to dominant players Excited to explore similar opportunities for your SME? Join us at the Bright Future Event, where we'll dive into real-life examples of German SMEs teaming up with startups and the game-changing results they've achieved. Exited to meet: Andy Zurwehme (eROCKIT AG), Paulina Tsvetanova (CEO & Founder PAULINA‘S FRIENDS Couture) ,  Mathias Tholey  (NU Company, Schokolade) and many more.... But wait, there's more! I'll be sharing practical tips on how startup teams can seamlessly integrate into SME environments, fostering innovation and driving mutual success. Check out: www.spitze-bleiben.de Thanks Ulf Leonhard for organizing. Don't miss out on this chance to unlock the potential of collaboration and propel your business forward. See you at the event! ✨ #BrightFuture #SMEs #Startups #BusinessGrowth #Innovation #Management #HumanResources #Technology #Future

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𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕒 𝕕𝕚𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖! In just three years, what a difference between the USA and Germany - 10% points less GDP growth in the former engine of the European economy. The challenges facing the country are enormous, and not just since yesterday evening. The German automotive industry will clearly play second fiddle to China. With this complex setup, it is somewhat surprising that the DAX reached a new all-time high of almost 19,000 last Friday. But the stock market is not the same as the economy! However, s an investor, I have to ask myself where I want to invest my money over the next few years. We will not be able to avoid the US stock market or the S&P 493 😉! What is your take on Germany? #USA #germany #gdp #china #copernicus #lookingbeyond #thomaswille

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Germany and Deep Tech: A Future-Defining Opportunity   The Zukunftsstudie IX by MÜNCHNER KREIS e.V. highlights the transformative potential of Deep Tech to boost Germany's innovation capacity, competitiveness, and technological sovereignty.  But success won’t happen automatically. For Deep Tech to transition from research to real-world application, we need:   👉 Companies willing to make long-term investments 👉 Research institutions that professionalize knowledge transfer 👉 Policymakers who create agile frameworks 👉 Stronger collaboration in innovation ecosystems, especially for SMEs and start-ups 👉 Investors ready to back groundbreaking technologies   Where do we stand – and what is SAP doing? A key finding of the study: Turning research into commercial applications remains a significant challenge. This is exactly where we as SAP play a crucial role. As a global leader in enterprise software with over 50 years of experience, SAP is dedicated to driving innovation by bridging the gap between academic research and practical, commercially viable business solutions. Since 2019, we have been working closely with the Technische Universität München on deep tech topics such as different aspects of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. For example, we have been working together on cutting-edge topics such as Generative AI, Deep Reinforcement Learning, Probabilistic Programming, and Explainable AI. By co-innovating and integrating these pioneering technologies into SAP solutions, we enable start-ups to test and scale their innovations in real-world business environments. This ensures that our customers benefit from forward-looking, practical solutions. This collaboration highlights our commitment to turning research results into actionable value for industries worldwide.   The release of this study is a key highlight of the Münchner Kreis' 50th anniversary, where I am proud to serve on the board. The study underscores the value of the Münchner Kreis' work and why it is my mission to provide as many people as possible with access to this network to benefit from its insights and recommendations — because innovation is a shared responsibility that transcends individual stakeholders.    I look forward to your thoughts and ideas!   MÜNCHNER KREIS e.V. Michael Dowling Helmut Krcmar Dr. Rahild Neuburger Dr. Katharina Wollenberg Michael Wittmann Dr. Leonard Przybilla

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Jan Lozek, and I shed light on the importance of collaboration between climate tech start-ups and corporations in Business Insider last week. Here are the key takeaways: 1️⃣ Digitalization can slow down climate change: As our electricity grids transform, digital tools are crucial. In Germany alone, 2.6 million photovoltaic systems will be on residential roofs by summer 2023. This ecosystem can only be managed effectively with automated, digital tools, like Amperecloud, node.energy and metergrid GmbH are working on. 2️⃣ Unity for Climate Goals: To meet climate goals amid significant macroeconomic challenges, collaboration between startups and corporations is essential. Startups bring innovation and new technologies, while corporations provide resources, market access, and scaling capabilities. At Future Energy Ventures, we foster collaboration by bringing together innovative climate tech startups and experienced corporations to maximize impact in climate technology. 3️⃣  Decarbonization Goals: Decarbonization is still progressing far too slowly: According to a recent study by PwC, the world needs to decarbonize seven times faster to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Urgent action is needed. It's time to unite and collaborate! Together, we can spearhead impactful shifts towards a future devoid of carbon, guaranteeing value for every stakeholder right from the beginning. #ClimateTech #Innovation #Decarbonization #EnergyTransition 

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Tune in to the #podcast conversation on the transformation of #mobilitytechnology, the role of #Innovation and competition, managing the complexities of global markets, and my personal journey as a #CFO steering a company through transformation. A huge thank you to Martin Glaum and Gori von Hirschhausen for visiting us at #AVL in #Graz and for the insightful questions and discussion that made this #WHU podcast episode possible. #AutomotiveIndustry #Mobility #ElectricVehicles #ICE #Hybrid #EV  #Leadership #PWC #Finance #Strategy #Transformation #ESG #AI 🔗

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Germany's startup ecosystem is a powerhouse waiting to fully unleash its potential in driving digital and sustainable transformation. But how do we make sure this happens? The Startup-Verband, the voice of German startups, addresses this head-on with their bold new initiative, "Innovationsagenda 2030: Weltklasse Made in Germany" (link in comments). Here’s what resonates most with me: 🚀 A Regulatory Framework Built for the Future To foster real innovation, we need policies that allow startups to experiment, iterate, and scale swiftly. Flexible, forward-thinking regulations in areas like AI and Climate Tech could be the catalyst for Germany’s long-term global leadership. 🌟 Stronger Leadership & Collaboration The future of innovation depends on tighter collaboration between government, industry, and startups. Building partnerships that connect research with industry can ignite sustainable growth and cement Germany’s place as a global innovation hub. 💬 What do you think is the most crucial next step in shaping Germany's innovation landscape? Let’s discuss in the comments below! #Innovationsagenda2030 #Startups #DigitalTransformation #Germany2030

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🚀  Hot off the press 🗞️ It's great to see one of our FixiCrew members, Joscha S., featured as an expert in the German repair industry! In this article, published by eurotransport.de's WERKSTATT aktuell magazine, Joscha dives into key topics shaping the future of car repairs: 🔹 AI-powered insights: How digital solutions are transforming repair processes and enhancing efficiency.  🔹 Sustainability: The growing importance of eco-friendly approaches in the workshop landscape. 🔹 Future-proofing through digitalization: Staying ahead in a market driven by rapid change. Check out the full article in the comments 👇 #Thoughtleadership #Sustainability #AI #RepairTech #Germany

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Live now at Future Battery Forum🔋 : Dr. Franz Geyer of BMW Group presenting the launch of the Battery Pass consortium’s latest study ‘Unlocking the Value of the European Battery Passport’ study, conducted by SYSTEMIQ Deutschland GmbH - download at 👉 https://lnkd.in/eUQ4agDv An in-depth study co-funded by the German Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (BMWK). This updated analysis uncovers both the opportunities and challenges of implementing battery passports, along with practical next steps for businesses and policymakers to maximise their strategic potential. What’s Inside? 📊 Opportunities: A detailed look at the benefits of battery passports, from cost savings in testing to enhanced recycling processes and easier trade of waste batteries. ❗ New insights on implementation challenges: Learn about the regulatory uncertainties and implementation efforts facing businesses, especially SMEs. ✅ Practical steps for businesses: Discover how your business can get ahead by assessing implementation requirements and identifying strategic advantages. 📝 Recommendations for policymakers: Explore the three key actions to minimise uncertainty, support industry compliance and unlock the full value of battery passports. Systemiq Ltd. acatech – Deutsche Akademie der Technikwissenschaften, AUDI AG, BASF, BMW Group, Circulor, FIWARE, Fraunhofer IPK, TWAICE, Umicore VDE Renewables GmbH

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Pressurized gas (liquefied) electrolyte is a new variant that joins the series of liquid electrolyte, solid electrolyte, semi-solid electrolyte.   It is supposed to be better for charging at low temperatures, safer and less costly. I'm excited and even if it doesn't catch on, it shows that things will remain exciting and new technologies are constantly emerging in the cell and battery market, which is good and confirms my confidence.   #cell #battery #electrolyte   https://lnkd.in/e-X_3chY

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On the competitive framework of OEMs, the Kiel Institute for the World Economy just published this for subsidies for BYD ➡️ "Aid for China’s leading EV maker jumped from €220 million in 2020 to €2.1 billion only two years later, Germany’s Kiel Institute for the World Economy said Wednesday. ➡️ BYD also is benefiting from support for local battery manufacturers and rebates for buyers of its cars, according to the report, which comes as the European Union investigates allegedly unfair aid for China’s EV sector." ➡️ Differnt Source: …In China, the industry has already benefited from state subsidies worth US$57bn between 2016 and 2020 alone, according to Alix Partners…. https://lnkd.in/d2X4kqZT by Himanshu Bhatt ➡️ It does not take away any of the achievements but of course is a very strong tailwind in a difficult early phase ➡️ And to be fair, those numbers need to be compared to e.g. - IRA in 🇺🇸 https://lnkd.in/edM4J26M - 500 or rather 500 billion ? https://lnkd.in/dWexTEpQ https://lnkd.in/dfDp6_5B https://lnkd.in/d5pNCMCd - IPCEI in Europe - https://lnkd.in/eXSxicUT, significantly smaller https://lnkd.in/d-DMatr3 - Chip subsidies just now - https://lnkd.in/eX2eEMXJ …. ➡️ The effect of subsidies ? 👉 https://lnkd.in/dpU5YQpV Shared at https://lnkd.in/ej2NCKW6 #ww243 #technology #markets #innovation #future #strategy #ww520

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You cannot demand excellence from people and not offer the same in return. In Germany, according to the Umweltbundesamt - German Environment Agency (German Environment Agency), approximately 387,700 people were employed in the renewable energy sector, based on the latest survey in 2022. The number of jobs in renewable energy in Germany is expected to continue increasing. According to a forecast by the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI , up to 500,000 jobs could be created in this sector by 2030, particularly due to the ongoing rapid expansion of wind and solar energy, as well as the modernisation of the energy system. We are, therefore, in a market with significant potential and excellent career prospects. At the same time, these figures highlight that developers like VSB Group must not only attract and recruit more motivated professionals but also retain them for the long term. For me, this is one of the central strengths that we build on over the coming years. Our employees at the VSB Group are at the heart of every wind and solar park we develop, and I am proud of the workplaces we have created, where innovation meets balance and we create an environment for our teams to be the best they can be. I love to inspire and motivate my teams, and above all, leading with strong human values is close to my heart. I see my role as identifying and nurturing individual potential, together with my entire leadership. This approach has enabled us to create a work environment at VSB where people feel comfortable and commit themselves daily to our shared vision: 100% renewable energy for Europe. We are on the right track! This is evidenced by the fact that we recently received the kununu Top Company Award once again. I am proud of the positive feedback from our employees, which reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a great workplace. Would you like to be part of this exciting journey? Take a look at our current job vacancies under: https://lnkd.in/ehmsirMR #VSB #VSBCareers #RenewableEnergy #EmployeeExperience #GrowingTogether #kununu #TopCompany #WorkWithPurpose #Leadership

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