IABG

What IABG does

IABG (Industrieanlagen-Betriebsgesellschaft mbH) is a privately held, owner-managed German technology and science service provider founded in 1961 and headquartered in Ottobrunn near Munich, employing approximately 1,200 staff across testing facilities in Ottobrunn, Dresden, and Lichtenau. The company operates across three integrated service lines: Testing & Qualification (environmental simulation, vibration/shock, electromagnetic, acoustic, hydrogen technology, and high-risk burst testing), Secure Digitalisation (BSI-certified National Secure Cloud up to GEHEIM classification, AI safety via the SafeAI Kit, cyber security, satellite navigation, radio systems, and control centre solutions), and proprietary simulation software for defense (MiDAS for air combat debriefing, JASS for agent-based wargaming, KORA for command/staff training, and DaCAS/NASAT for digitally-aided close air support).

The company monetises primarily through professional services engagements (testing programmes, consulting, systems engineering, lifecycle management) under project-based B2B contracts with government agencies, defense organisations, and industrial clients, supplemented by recurring revenue from simulation software licensing, maintenance, and training. Its go-to-market is enterprise field sales targeting the German Bundeswehr, BSI, BMDV, NATO bodies, and major industrial OEMs (Volvo, MAN Truck & Bus), with international expansion via multinational exercises and EU-funded consortia.

IABG also operates the Mobility Innovation Campus (a commercial autonomous-driving test field jointly run with TU Munich), the new Competence Centre Optics for electro-optical satellite testing, and retains ERC System GmbH as a wholly-owned subsidiary developing eVTOL aircraft for defense and medical logistics applications. Certifications include ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, and 27001, with sovereign cloud credentials up to GEHEIM and NATO SECRET. Leadership comprises Prof. Dr.-Ing. Rudolf F. Schwarz (Chairman) and Thomas Köhler (COO).

Name

IABG

Legal name

Industrieanlagen-Betriebsgesellschaft mbH

Website

https://iabg.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1961

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

IABG is a privately held German technology and science service provider (founded 1961, ~1,200 staff, Ottobrunn) delivering testing & qualification, secure digitalisation, and proprietary defense simulation software to the German Bundeswehr, NATO bodies, and industrial OEMs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defence and Aerospace Testing Services

NAICS

Testing Laboratories and Services (541380), Testing Laboratories and Services (54138), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (541690)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Third-Party Certification, Code Compliance & Regulatory Inspection (ASME/API/ISO) (EUAEAHAN)

akta.pro secondary industry

Identity & Access Management (IAM) Managed Services (BPAEADAE)

Keywords

• Testing and qualification services
• Defense simulation software
• Secure cloud infrastructure
• Hydrogen technology testing
• Automotive safety validation

Headquarters

HQ city

Ottobrunn

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Technical Testing and Qualification Services: Testing and qualification of products, systems, and components across industries including automotive, rail, energy, aerospace, space, and defense. Services include environmental simulation, vibration/shock tests, electromagnetic tests, material testing, and high-risk testing (burst, fire, explosion).
2. Simulation Software Licensing and Support: Licensing and support of proprietary military simulation systems (MiDAS, JASS, KORA, DaCAS) to armed forces and defense organisations. Revenue from software deployment, training, and ongoing system maintenance.
3. Secure Digitalisation Consulting and Implementation: Cyber security, secure cloud infrastructure (National Secure Cloud), satellite navigation, radio systems, and control centre solutions for government and defense clients.
4. Strategic Analysis and Systems Consulting: Systems engineering, procurement support, lifecycle management, requirements management, and strategic consulting for defense and public sector clients.
5. Publicly Funded R&D Projects: Participation in government-funded research programmes (e.g., CryoTRUCK funded by BMDV, SmarTram funded by BMWK) providing project-based revenue alongside technology development.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

IABG is an owner-managed technology and science service provider delivering independent testing, qualification, simulation, and secure digitalisation services across defense, automotive, aerospace, rail, energy, and public-sector clients. Core offerings include environmental and high-risk testing (including hydrogen), proprietary military simulation software (MiDAS, JASS, KORA, DaCAS), the BSI-certified National Secure Cloud, AI safety validation (safeAI Kit), strategic systems consulting, and lifecycle management.

Product overview

IABG is a leading high-tech service company in Europe, operating as an owner-managed independent firm focused on safety solutions. The company offers an integrated portfolio spanning Testing & Qualification (product qualification, environmental simulation, high-risk testing including hydrogen technologies, burst chambers, virtual & hybrid testing), Secure Digitalization (National Secure Cloud, AI security, cyber security, satellite navigation, radio systems), and specialized software solutions including MiDAS for air combat debriefing, JASS for combat simulation and wargaming, KORA for command training, and DaCAS/NASAT for close air support. Additional services include lifecycle management, strategic analysis, geodata & environmental services, and project sponsorship. IABG also operates the Mobility Innovation Campus test facility for autonomous driving and the Competence Centre Optics for electro-optical satellite testing. The company's subsidiary ERC System develops eVTOL aircraft, while the safeAI Kit provides AI validation and conformity assessment capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MiDAS (Mission Display and Analysis System): Advanced debriefing tool for precise simulation and analysis of aerial combat between various aircraft and weapon systems, used by the German Air Force as standard software for Eurofighter mission debriefing.
• JASS (Joint Agent-based Simulation System)
• KORA
• DaCAS / NASAT
• National Secure Cloud (NSC)
• safeAI
• Mobility Innovation Campus
• Competence Centre Optics (CCO)

Products and services

• MiDAS (Mission Display and Analysis System) Advanced debriefing tool for air combat training that records and analyzes air battles between various aircraft and weapon systems, enabling coherent display of weapons system data for operational testing, decision-maker evaluation, and aircrew debriefing. Supports Live, Virtual & Constructive (LVC) training environments.
• JASS (Joint Agent-based Simulation System) Wargaming and simulation-based analysis tool for combat analysis supporting mission success assessment, capability development, and procurement decisions. Uses a proprietary Generic Behaviour Language scripting system to model thousands of entities in real-time battles.
• KORA Germany's leading constructive simulation system for command and staff training, covering land, air, and naval combat as well as crisis response operations.
• DaCAS / NASAT Digitally-aided Close Air Support digital data transmission system based on Variable Message Format, facilitating multinational CAS operations.
• National Secure Cloud (NSC) Open-source-based high-security cloud infrastructure for government and military use, meeting BSI standards up to 'GEHEIM' (secret) classification level and NATO SECRET. Includes VS-Arbeitsplatz for classified information handling.
• SafeAI Kit Toolkit for early-stage evaluation and testing of AI-based systems, assessing robustness, stability, uncertainty, calibration, and explainability of AI models. Supports conformity assessment for AI Act compliance and aligns with DIN SPEC 92005.
• Hydrogen Technology Testing and Qualification Comprehensive testing and qualification of hydrogen storage, refuelling, and pressure vessel systems at facilities in Dresden (water hydraulic up to 2,200 bar) and Lichtenau (LH2 and CGH2 test stations).
• Burst Chambers for H2 Pressure Vessels Customised test systems for burst pressure testing of fibre-reinforced high-pressure vessels with in-house high-dynamics simulation and validated mechanical design.
• Mobility Innovation Campus Commercial test field for intelligent mobility concepts at IABG headquarters in Ottobrunn operated jointly with TU Munich, featuring Automated Valet Parking and Park & Charge Lane for inductive charging.
• Competence Centre Optics (CCO) Test center for electro-optical satellite systems supporting earth observation applications from environmental monitoring to military reconnaissance using high-precision electro-optical systems.
• Product Qualification and Environmental Simulation Services Testing and qualification of products, systems, and components including environmental simulation, vibration and shock tests, electromagnetic tests, acoustic tests, modal tests, and material investigations across automotive, rail, energy, aerospace, space, and defense industries.
• Lifecycle Management Services Lifecycle cost management, integrated logistics support, logístical simulation, fleet operations, ERP systems, reliability and availability engineering, condition monitoring, and maintenance optimisation for complex systems.
• Strategic Analysis and Systems Consulting Systems engineering, procurement support, requirements management, market observation, product evaluation, and strategic consulting for defense and public sector clients.
• Geodata and Environmental Services Geodata services for civil protection and crisis management, clean energy, security, forestry, land management, infrastructure and utilities, including use of EU Space Programme (Copernicus, Galileo).

Quantifiable outcome

• MiDAS used by German Air Force as standard Eurofighter debriefing software; supported Air Defender 2023 and Tigermeet 2024
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability11 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• ERC System GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerERC System GmbH is an IABG subsidiary developing eVTOL aircraft. Romeo (2.7-tonne, 16m wingspan, 8-rotor eVTOL) successfully completed hover tests. Company pivoting to unmanned cargo prototype targeting defense market, with longer-term plans for manned passenger aircraft 'Charlie'. Seeking strategic investors beyond current backer IABG.
• CryomotivemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHydrogen mobility startup leading CryoTRUCK consortium for development of CRYOGAS hydrogen storage (1,000 km range, 10-min refuelling) for long-haul trucks. IABG contributes testing expertise for storage and refuelling technology.
• MAN Truck & BusmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading European commercial vehicle manufacturer contributing integration and testing know-how for hydrogen truck Versuchsträger in CryoTRUCK project. Platform for CRYOGAS storage system integration.
• Clean LogisticsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology leader in decarbonisation of transport sector. Integrating hydrogen fuel cell drive with CRYOGAS storage into converted diesel trucks for CryoTRUCK project.
• Technische Universität München (TUM)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThree TUM chairs support CryoTRUCK: Chair for Plant and Process Technology (thermodynamic modelling), Chair for Carbon Composites (carbon fibre reinforcement), and Chair for Metal Forming Technology (manufacturing). Also partner in Mobility Innovation Campus and eLoran PNT resilience project.
• Universität der Bundeswehr München (UniBw M)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic cooperation agreement signed March 2026 for collaboration in research, technology development, and knowledge transfer in defense and security domains.
• TU München (Technical University of Munich)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint operation of Mobility Innovation Campus at IABG headquarters Ottobrunn — an open test field for intelligent mobility concepts. Focus on interaction between autonomous vehicles and vulnerable road users in urban environments.
• bavAIRia e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint expert forum 'AeroSpace meets Safety & Security' held November 2025, addressing digital technologies in security and defense contexts.
• Hörmann Vehicle Engineering GmbHmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead partner in SmarTram project for autonomous streetcar development. Provides requirements management tool, design and ergonomics for automated tram, and Technical Safety Plan (TeSiP) development per EU No. 402/2013.
• FusionSystems GmbHmajorTechnology or IntegrationProject partner in SmarTram developing obstacle detection algorithms. IABG evaluates KI-based object recognition using its safeAI-Kit framework.
• Chemnitzer Verkehrs AG (CVAG)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal transport operator providing test vehicle and route section for SmarTram autonomous tram project. First test runs with 5G communication successfully conducted.
• HeiterBlick GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociated partner in SmarTram project contributing to autonomous streetcar development.
• InfodascoreTechnology or IntegrationPartner in National Secure Cloud ecosystem. Contributes IT security and classified information handling expertise for BSI-compliant secure cloud infrastructure.
• KERNKONZEPTcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartner in National Secure Cloud ecosystem for secure cloud stack development and customisation.
• utimacocoreTechnology or IntegrationPartner in National Secure Cloud ecosystem providing hardware security modules and cryptographic solutions for classified data protection.
• XELERA TechnologiescoreTechnology or IntegrationPartner in National Secure Cloud ecosystem contributing high-availability and performance computing solutions.
• DRF LuftrettungmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAir rescue organisation collaborating with ERC System GmbH (IABG subsidiary) for inter-hospital patient transfers using eVTOL aircraft.
• Telespazio FranceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead of EU-funded SUNSHINE project consortium. IABG supports training on EU Space Programme components (Copernicus, Galileo, SSA, GOVSATCOM, IRIS²) for disaster resilience in civil protection.
• dSPACEmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation for Power HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) test benches and test centres. IABG and dSPACE jointly deliver turnkey testing solutions combining dSPACE simulation hardware with IABG's specialist testing infrastructure.
• Atlantik-Brücke e.V.minorOthersIABG member of Atlantik-Brücke e.V., which promotes mutual understanding between Germany and the US, Canada, and European states. Supports friendly relations between nations.
• Deutsches MuseumminorOthersIABG is a member of the 'Freundes- und Förderkreis des Deutschen Museums', supporting the museum's mission of conveying technology and science to the public.
• Lachen Helfen e.V.minorOthersIABG sponsors 'Lachen Helfen', a charity founded by German soldiers providing aid to children in war and crisis zones.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• SGS SA: Global leader in testing, inspection, and certification. Overlaps with IABG's testing services across energy, automotive, and aerospace, but operates at much greater scale and broader geographic footprint.
• Bureau Veritas SA: Global TIC operator covering marine, offshore, energy, and industrial testing. Comparable to IABG in TIC services breadth but lacks IABG's defense simulation, sovereign cloud, and hydrogen specialization.
• Intertek Group plc: UK-headquartered global TIC operator covering industrial, energy, transport, and consumer products. Overlaps with IABG's testing and qualification portfolio across automotive, rail, and energy, though without IABG's defense/government depth.
• Saab AB: Swedish defense and security company covering simulation, command-and-control, and secure communications. Directly comparable in defense simulation and secure digitalization domains that overlap with IABG's MiDAS/JASS/KORA and NSC portfolios.

Direct peers

• DEKRA SE: Germany-based TIC company providing testing, inspection, and certification across automotive, industrial, and emerging mobility. Like IABG, it combines broad industrial testing capabilities with strategic positions in vehicle safety and homologation.
• TÜV SÜD AG: German-headquartered global testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) provider. Directly comparable to IABG's industrial testing and qualification services across automotive, energy, and aerospace, though IABG's defense and cybersecurity portfolio is distinct.
• CAE Inc. Canadian military simulation and training systems provider (JASS/MiDAS analog). Operates similar air combat, constructive simulation, and Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) training products and serves armed forces globally, making it the most direct competitor for IABG's defense simulation software.

Regional players

• Hensoldt AG: German defense electronics and sensors company based near Ottobrunn/Munich. Comparable as a German defense mid-cap serving Bundeswehr and NATO; less focused on TIC services but competes for adjacent defense modernization contracts.
• RUAG MRO Holding AG: Swiss defense and space services company providing maintenance, lifecycle management, and testing for military platforms. Aligned with IABG's defense testing, lifecycle management, and systems consulting segments under a different national procurement regime.

Emerging players

• Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft: German applied research organization with multiple institutes conducting testing, qualification, and emerging-mobility research. Comparable to IABG in domain breadth and German defense/automotive research, though primarily publicly funded rather than commercial.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/IABGmbh
• Facebookfacebook.com/IABGCareer
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/iabg
• Xx.com/iabg_mbh

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about IABG