1. Preamble
NeLaBra stands for "Reorientation of the companies in the Lusatian lignite industry with regard to new business fields and new markets at home and abroad". It is a project within the framework of the federal program STARK ("Strengthening the transformation dynamics and new beginnings in the mining regions and at the coal-fired power plant sites"), which aims to support companies and scientific institutions in the Lusatian lignite industry in developing new business fields and markets.
The MinGenTec initiative (Mining & Generation Technology – Made in Germany) is a central component of the NeLaBra project. It was launched in 2017 by the Brandenburg Economic Development Agency (WFBB) and the Cottbus Chamber of Commerce (IHK Cottbus) to primarily support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as scientific institutions in Lusatia in developing new business fields and markets through innovation, internationalization, and networking. Since 2020, the Dresden Chamber of Commerce and the Saxony Economic Development Agency have also been cooperation partners of the initiative.
The NeLaBra project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) based on a resolution of the German Bundestag within the framework of the STARK program and is initially set to run until mid-2026.
These terms and conditions of participation ("Terms of Participation"), to which participants in the initiative agree, regulate the framework conditions for participation.
2. Applicability of the Terms of Participation
2.1 These Terms of Participation apply to all companies and scientific institutions participating in the MinGenTec initiative. Consent is given by registering via the registration form (currently at https://www.mingentec.com/de/Kontakt_3) and confirmation of participation by MinGenTec via email.
2.2 Deviating regulations and terms of business of the participants do not apply.
3. Subject Matter
3.1 MinGenTec connects companies from the entire value chain in the sectors of energy technology, mechanical engineering, environmental technologies, and digital future technologies primarily in the Brandenburg and Saxon Lusatia. The initiative encompasses the competencies of companies and institutions along the entire value chain – from raw material exploration through open-pit and underground mining, energy supply and distribution to the complete renaturation of post-mining landscapes. It unites expertise in automation technology and Industry 4.0, machine and special machine construction, mechanical engineering, and conveyor technology as well as testing and repair services. Additionally, actors from the fields of services for mining and power plant technology, industrial construction, IT solutions, consulting, and economic development are involved. The initiative also integrates non-university research institutions, universities and colleges, associations and interest groups, as well as government organizations and municipal companies. Furthermore, central future fields such as hydrogen economy, foreign trade, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are addressed. Actors from vocational training and further education as well as networks and associations also contribute to the innovative strength of the initiative.
3.2 MinGenTec provides any information to the best of its knowledge but cannot guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, and suitability of such information. Participation in MinGenTec is generally free of charge.
3.3 The participant confirms that the information and data provided to MinGenTec, particularly in the context of registration, are accurate and do not infringe upon the rights of third parties.
3.4 A specific scope of the offer, certain services from MinGenTec, the WFBB, the IHK Cottbus, and/or the participants are not owed.
4. Internal Network Area
The internal network area is only accessible with a password, which must be kept confidential by the participants. This includes, among other things, presentations from network meetings and other information relevant to the network initiative.
5. Mention; Public Relations
5.1 The participant agrees to the use of their name, company, and any company logos and trademarks (collectively referred to as "Identifiers") by MinGenTec for the purposes of the network initiative as a reference and for public relations. This also applies in cases where an identifier enjoys special protection, e.g., as a trademark or copyright. The permissible use by MinGenTec includes the website currently at https://www.mingentec.com/de/Lausitzer-Kompetenzen/Kooperationspartner-finden and inclusion in presentations, including their demonstration at events such as trade fairs and conferences at home and abroad. Any further, particularly commercial use by MinGenTec will not occur. The participant may provide suitable templates.
5.2 The consent is generally unlimited in time for the duration of the MinGenTec network initiative. The participant can revoke the consent with effect for the future. Already made uses, including already created public relations materials, remain unaffected by the revocation. The participant agrees that the implementation of the revocation (e.g., adjustment of the website) may not occur immediately due to technical and administrative reasons.
6. Liability
6.1 The liability of MinGenTec is limited to intent and gross negligence. This does not affect liability for culpable injury to life, body, or health in accordance with statutory provisions, for any liability under the Product Liability Act, or for any guarantee assumed in writing by MinGenTec.
6.2 This clause also applies in favor of the employees, representatives, and vicarious agents of MinGenTec.
7. Data Protection
8. Duration and Miscellaneous
8.1 The Terms of Participation apply between the parties generally indefinitely for the duration of the MinGenTec network initiative. Each party can terminate participation at any time without stating reasons in writing (email is sufficient). Clause 5.2 applies accordingly to the termination.
8.2 Changes or additions require written form to be effective. This also applies to an agreement to deviate from or waive this formal requirement. Explicit individual contractual agreements take precedence but require the consent of a representative of the WFBB and the IHK Cottbus to be effective.
Status: March 2025