U Bremen Research Alliance

What U Bremen Research Alliance does

U Bremen Research Alliance (UBRA) is a registered non-profit association (eingetragener Verein, Register of Associations VR 8320 HB, Amtsgericht Bremen) founded in 2016 and headquartered in Bibliothekstraße 1, 28359 Bremen (co-located with the University of Bremen). The alliance coordinates interdisciplinary research cooperation between the University of Bremen and 13 non-university research institutes drawn from Germany's four major science organizations — Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft, Leibniz-Gemeinschaft, and Max-Planck-Gesellschaft — plus the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI). Research is organized across four High-Profile Areas: Marine, Polar and Climate Research; Material Sciences and Production Engineering; Health Sciences; and Minds, Media, Machines — a span the alliance brands 'from deep sea to outer space.'

UBRA's outputs are research-coordination and support services rather than commercial products. Its programs include the AI Center for Health Care (a virtual institute for cross-institutional AI-in-healthcare research), Data Train (an interdisciplinary PhD advanced training program elevated to a Certificate of Advanced Studies from 2026), DataNord (a regional data competence center), the Welcome Center for international researchers and their families, the Peer-to-Peer Network Artificial Intelligence, and a UBRA Conferences funding line providing up to €10,000 per event to stimulate cooperative projects. Communications are run through a small head office led by Managing Director Derk Schönfeld, MBA, with governance co-chaired by Prof. Dr. Jutta Günther (President of the University of Bremen) and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Rainer Fechte-Heinen (Chairman of the Board of Directors, Leibniz-IWT); the alliance also publishes the biannual Impact science magazine (14 issues through 2026) and maintains LinkedIn and YouTube channels.

The business model is publicly funded coordination rather than commercial sale. Financing flows from federal and Länder budgets routed to member institutions, supplemented by competitively awarded program funding; the alliance is hosting IJCAI-ECAI 2026 (15–21 August 2026) — the International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence returning to Germany after 43 years — as a positioning lever for the Bremen port and logistics economy (~1,800 companies, 41,000 employees, ~€8 billion in annual revenue). No private equity, venture capital, or external investor ownership is recorded; select_customers is empty because the alliance's stakeholders are its 14 institutional members, not commercial accounts.

Name

U Bremen Research Alliance

Legal name

U Bremen Research Alliance e. V.

Website

https://bremen-research.de

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

U Bremen Research Alliance (UBRA) is a non-profit association coordinating interdisciplinary research between the University of Bremen and 13 non-university institutes across Fraunhofer, Helmholtz, Leibniz, Max Planck, and DFKI, serving researchers and member institutions across four High-Profile Areas.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Research Consortium Coordination Services

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Space Research and Technology (927110), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

International & Global Research Universities (Multi-Campus/International Footprint) (EDAHABAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Science, Technology & Innovation Administration (National R&D Policy) (BPAIAAAK), International Science, Technology & Space Cooperation Organizations (BPADAAAK), Research Collaboration & Joint Labs (International Partnerships) (EDAIABAC)

Keywords

• Interdisciplinary research collaboration
• Research data management
• PhD training programs
• AI health research
• Science networking services

Headquarters

HQ city

Bremen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

U Bremen Research Alliance coordinates interdisciplinary research cooperation between the University of Bremen and 13 non-university research institutes from Fraunhofer, Helmholtz, Leibniz, Max Planck and DFKI across four High-Profile Areas (Marine/Polar/Climate, Materials Sciences, Health Sciences, and Minds/Media/Machines). It delivers cross-institutional programs including the AI Center for Health Care, Data Train PhD training program, DataNord data competence center, the Welcome Center for international researchers, and the biannual Impact science magazine.

Product overview

U Bremen Research Alliance is a research coalition comprising the University of Bremen and 13 non-university research institutes. The organization operates as a coordinated network rather than a product company, offering collaborative programs including the AI Center for Health Care (virtual institute for AI in healthcare), Data Train (PhD training in research data management and data science), DataNord (regional data competence center), and the Impact science magazine. Support services include the Welcome Center for international researchers and UBRA Conferences funding program. The alliance facilitates research cooperation across four High-Profile Areas: Marine/Polar/Climate Research, Materials Science, Health Sciences, and Minds/Media/Machines.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AI Center for Health Care Virtual institute for cross-institutional cooperation on artificial intelligence applications in health research, bringing together researchers from all 14 member institutions to develop AI-based solutions for medical diagnostics, treatment, and digital public health.
• Data Train Interdisciplinary advanced training program providing PhD students at member institutions with research data management and data science skills; from 2026 offered as a Certificate of Advanced Studies.
• DataNord Regional lighthouse data competence center for the Bremen region, pooling and developing regional expertise in data science and research data management.
• Welcome Center Central service point supporting international researchers and their families with administrative and social services for planning and implementing their stay in Bremen, regardless of duration or funding of the stay.
• Impact Science Magazine Biannual science magazine documenting the cooperative research strength of U Bremen Research Alliance and its societal relevance, published since 2019.
• Peer-to-Peer Network Artificial Intelligence Networking platform for experienced researchers from UBRA member institutions to exchange ideas and discuss cooperative research projects in AI, including the AI4Health scoping workshops.
• UBRA Conferences Funding Program Financial support of up to 10,000 euros per conference to stimulate cooperative research projects between member institutions.
• Summer of AI in Bremen Public engagement program around IJCAI-ECAI 2026 featuring lectures, interactive offerings and dialogue formats making AI accessible to citizens, students, apprentices and companies.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability12 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• DLR Institut für Satellitengeodäsie und InertialsensorikcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026DLR Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensing. Joined as new member institution on January 1, 2026, strengthening aerospace and satellite research collaboration.
• Alfred-Wegener-Institut, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelmholtz Association research institute focusing on polar and marine research. Cooperates in High-Profile Area 'Marine, Polar and Climate Research', ArcTrain graduate school, and POLMAR graduate school.
• Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Künstliche Intelligenz (DFKI) BremencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman Research Center for Artificial Intelligence with location in Bremen. Contributes to AI Center for Health Care, Minds Media Machines High-Profile Area, and Graduate School SyDe (System Design).
• DLR-Institut für den Schutz maritimer InfrastrukturencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDLR Institute for the Protection of Maritime Infrastructures. Part of marine, polar, climate research and contributes to maritime security and infrastructure projects.
• DLR Institut für RaumfahrtsystemecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDLR Institute of Space Systems. Hosts annual general assemblies, contributes to space research, and partners in 'Humans on Mars' initiative and Graduate School SyDe.
• Deutsches Schifffahrtsmuseum Leibniz-Institut für Maritime Geschichte (DSM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman Maritime Museum - Leibniz Institute for Maritime History. Participates in UBRA Conference on 'MRI for Cultural Heritage Objects' and Blue Humanities research.
• Fraunhofer-Institut für Fertigungstechnik und Angewandte Materialforschung (IFAM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials. Hosts Data Train Kick-Off events, contributes to materials science research and 'Humans on Mars' initiative.
• Fraunhofer-Institut für Windenergiesysteme (IWES)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems. Collaborates on rotor blade research, wind turbine longevity studies, and renewable energy projects within Materials Science High-Profile Area.
• Fraunhofer-Institut für Digitale Medizin (MEVIS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFraunhofer Institute for Medical Image Computing. Hosts Welcome Center events, contributes to AI Center for Health Care, and participated in MRI for Cultural Heritage Objects conference.
• Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenforschung (ZMT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research. Leads Data Train Kick-Off events, contributes to Marine Polar Climate Research, SUTAS Graduate School, and sea4soCiety climate project.
• Leibniz-Institut für Präventionsforschung und Epidemiologie - BIPScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology. Hosts Peer-to-Peer AI Network meetings, contributes to Digital Public Health research and SUTAS Graduate School.
• Leibniz-Institut für Werkstofforientierte Technologien - IWTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeibniz Institute for Materials-Oriented Technologies. Contributes to materials science research, wind turbine bearing studies, and hosts 'Humans on Mars' research. Prof. Fechte-Heinen serves as co-chair.
• Max-Planck-Institut für Marine Mikrobiologie (MPIMM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology. Partners in MarMic graduate school, ArcTrain, oceanic nitrogen cycling research, and marine ecosystem studies.
• Universität BremencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Bremen serves as the host institution for UBRA and primary university partner. Prof. Günther serves as co-chair. Houses MAPEX, ZARM, MARUM, and numerous joint research initiatives.
• Nationale Forschungsdateninfrastruktur (NFDI)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman National Research Data Infrastructure initiative. UBRA members actively participate in multiple NFDI consortia including NFDI4Health, contributing to establishing cooperative research data management standards.
• Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public HealthmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterdisciplinary research campus focused on digital public health, bringing together researchers from multiple UBRA member institutions to explore opportunities and risks of digital media.
• Data Science Center (DSC) at University of BremenmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Bremen's Data Science Center supports data-driven research and complements UBRA's research data management initiatives.
• BRIDGE (University Network)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBremen's university network for startup support. UBRA cooperates with BRIDGE to provide advice on startup topics, funding programs, events, and coaching for startup and self-employment.
• BYRD - Bremen Early Career Researchers DevelopmentsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupport center for early-career researchers at University of Bremen. UBRA promotes cooperative use of BYRD's funding offers as part of joint personnel development strategies.
• MAPEX – Center for Materials and ProcessesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCenter for Materials and Processes at University of Bremen. Launched the 'Humans on Mars' initiative and hosts UBRA-related research on extraterrestrial habitat development.
• ZARM – Center of Applied Space Technology and MicrogravitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCenter at University of Bremen housing the famous 146-meter drop tower and leading 'Humans on Mars' initiative. Contributes to space research and microgravity experiments.
• MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental SciencesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDFG Research Center and Cluster of Excellence at University of Bremen. Partners in oceanic nitrogen cycling research, ocean floor studies, and Arctic research.
• Jacobs University BremensupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in MarMic International Research School for Marine Microbiology and POLMAR Graduate School, cooperating with UBRA members AWI, MPIMM, and University of Bremen.
• SENAI CIMATEC Innovation and Technology Institute (Brazil)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrazilian delegation visited DFKI and UBRA to strengthen international cooperation, particularly in artificial intelligence research.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Helmholtz Association: Germany's largest scientific organization encompassing 18 research centers including AWI and DLR institutes. Comparable as a parent/umbrella organization whose members participate in UBRA, providing the funding backbone and cross-institutional coordination logic.
• Fraunhofer Society: Europe's largest applied research organization with 76 institutes including Fraunhofer IFAM, IWES and MEVIS (UBRA members). Comparable as one of the four major German science organizations providing member institutes to UBRA.
• Leibniz Association: Umbrella of 97 non-university research institutes in Germany, including BIPS, IWT, ZMT and DSM (all UBRA members). Comparable as the broader funding/coordination body governing UBRA member institutes.
• ETH Domain (ETH Board): Coordinating body for the Swiss federal technology and research institutions (ETH Zurich, EPFL, PSI, WSL, Empa, Eawag). Broader incumbent analog as a national-level coordination structure for publicly funded research institutions with multi-domain scope.
• Max Planck Society: Germany's basic-research organization with 86 institutes including MPIMM (UBRA member). Comparable as a parent organization whose research institute is a core UBRA partner.

Emerging players

• CERN: International particle physics collaboration with German institutional membership. Comparable as a large-scale, multi-country research coordination body reliant on public funding and hosting researchers from member institutions, though operating at much greater scale and in a single domain.

Direct peers

• Munich Center for the Economics of Aging (MEA) / Munich Research Alliance: Munich-based research networks coordinating across Max Planck, LMU and other institutes. Comparable as a multi-institution research collaboration in Germany pooling complementary institutions for joint grant capture and shared infrastructure.
• Nationale Forschungsdateninfrastruktur (NFDI): Federally funded umbrella coordinating research data management across German universities and non-university institutes via domain consortia (NFDI4Health, NFDI4Earth, etc.). Directly comparable as a national coordination overlay for German research, with overlapping members including several UBRA institutes.
• Forschungsverbund Berlin: Registered association of eight Leibniz research institutes in Berlin. Closely comparable as a regional coordinating alliance of non-university research institutes under one of the same major German science organizations (Leibniz), performing the same bridging role between independent institutes and public funding bodies.
• Berlin University Alliance: Strategic alliance of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität, Technische Universität Berlin and Charité, jointly bidding for Excellence Strategy funding. Directly comparable as a multi-institution German research alliance bundling universities and partner research organizations under federal/state funding.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@UBRA_HB
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ubremenresearchalliance

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about U Bremen Research Alliance