Q&A with ESA BIC Northern Germany Technical Partner: AES Aircraft Elektro/Elektronik System GmbH

Vahit Ezer-Hagemann und Dr. Jörn Burkert. © AES

1. Could you introduce yourself and your role within the organization?

My name is Dr. Jörn Burkert, CEO. I graduated from the Institution of Environmental Physics at the University of Bremen, with a focus on environmental physics, chemistry and technology. My fellow CEO Mr. Vahit Ezer-Hagemann studied engineering at the Bremen University of Applied Sciences, with a focus on production engineering. Our backgrounds and accrued experience complement each other, making make us an ideal team.

2. How does your organization’s approach as a technical partner make it unique in supporting start-ups in the ESA BIC Northern Germany?

We are special insofar as we develop state-of-the-art solutions into products and services, which we manage and produce, ourselves, onsite in Bremen, all under one roof. Our belief is that a solid foundation is the most important aspect of “starting-up” and remaining successful. We have experience in this respect, as AES began as an idea, which we have effectively turned into a thriving well-respected company. We have been in business for over 25 years. 25 years of providing products, services and, using the expertise we have gained with electrical system integration, we began applying this to the aerospace sector in 2010.

3. Could you share any experience you had in working with start-ups, along with success stories or examples of previous collaborations with start-ups or entrepreneurs?

Our previous collaborative ventures include the design and layout, of electrical systems. This incorporates electrical engineering, system definition, product development through to component selection and qualification, amongst other elements.

We have collaborated with a range of different institutes, namely:

The HHI Berlin (Fauenhofer Heinrich-Hertz Institute)

The IFAM Bremen (Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials)

The University of Bremen

The University of Applied Sciences Bremen

Additionally, satellite harness design and integration competence based on ECSS, the European Cooperation for Space Standardisation.

Our projects have included investigating the production process for aluminium harnesses used in satellites, funded by BMWi, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.

4. As a technical partner, what kinds of innovative ideas and unique perspectives are you excited to explore with start-ups at the ESA BIC Northern Germany?

Groundbreaking ideas and new perspectives are fundamentally part of our business. We keep ourselves open to exploring new and exciting ideas. In saying that we are happy to discuss the possibility and explore the outcome.

5. What qualities or strengths does your organization value in start-ups to form successful and meaningful collaborations?

As previously mentioned, a solid foundation is essential to success, and thus plays an important role in creating meaningful collaboration. At the beginning, a new “idea” is just that, an idea, which requires experience to transform it into something with potential. That is where we come in, and we ask ourselves; could this emerge as a win-win situation for both parties?

6. Do you have any advice for start-ups who are working with space technologies?

Perseverance. Starting a company is hard work; transforming ideas into realities take time. Additionally, most of the big setbacks are temporary. Some of the best success grows out of not getting it right the first time. In turn, this keeps us here at AES open to finding new opportunities and creative solutions.

Strong Networking Partner: AVIASPACE BREMEN e.V.

AVIASPACE BREMEN is an association of dedicated companies and application-oriented research institutes in and around the federal state of Bremen. This network implements the federal state of Bremen’s strategy for the aeronautics and space industries.

The association’s objective is to improve cooperation and develop innovative projects in and around the federal state of Bremen as a business and science centre. Its scope covers the aeronautics and space industries and other technologies related to this area whose members have specific competences. AVIASPACE BREMEN connects companies, scientific institutions and authorities. It focuses on topics such as networking, technology transfer, and economic growth through promotion of start-ups and young entrepreneurs. The purpose is to develop a technical and organizational

network of producers of end-products, suppliers and service providers, and scientific institutions in the fields of materials science, high-lift systems, engineering, manufacturing technology, earth observation, and robotics.

More than fifty of the companies and institutes working in the aeronautics and space industries in Bremen have already joined AVIASPACE BREMEN.

*Office building and wind tunnel have separate electrical circuits