THI Graduate Manuel Lanzinger Receives Bavarian Culture Prize

Bayernwerk honoured 33 outstanding graduates and doctoral students from Bavarian colleges, universities and art colleges in the science category. One of the award winners was Manuel Lanzinger, a graduate of Ingolstadt Technical University and native of Gaimersheim, who was honoured for his master's thesis in the field of computer science. Lanzinger developed AI-based software that recognises whether a roof load is resting on a vehicle and adjusts the driving dynamics accordingly. This innovation increases road safety and illustrates the practical benefits of AI in the automotive industry.

‘To realise my project, I developed deep learning models and implemented them prototypically in a vehicle. My work shows how artificial intelligence can make our lives safer in the future,’ explains Lanzinger, who is now a permanent employee at the company cooperating with his dual study programme.

Five renowned artists were honoured in the art category: The actor, DJ and web video producer Flula Borg, the sound and language artist Erwin Rehling, the EUKITEA - Children's and Youth Theatre and International Theatre House, the artist duo Böhler & Orendt and the singer-songwriter Claudia Koreck.
In his speech, Bayernwerk AG CEO Dr Egon Leo Westphal emphasised the importance of science and art in shaping the future: ‘Our world is changing at a rapid pace. As an energy company, we are already in the midst of realising the future of energy. Innovation, technology and science form the basis for new realities - not only in the energy industry but in all areas of life. With our award, we are honouring the valuable impetus that the award winners are providing for the present and the future.’

Science and Art Minister Markus Blume awarded a special prize and emphasised the close connection between science and art as essential components of society: ‘Our prizewinners are talented individuals and innovators who revitalise Bavaria as a science location with their forward-looking spirit. I wish them all the best for the future - keep up the good work, because you are the future of our country!’

All of the science prizewinners received an endowment of 3,000 euros each as well as the bronze statue ‘Gedankenblitz’ by Schwandorf sculptor Peter Mayer. The prizewinners were selected by the Bavarian state colleges, universities, and art academies. The art prize winners were chosen by a jury of experts.