Flow Factory – AI Research Collaboration | University Münster & Sparkassen

AI Innovations in Finance

The Flow Factory researches AI-based innovations for the transformation of business processes in finance.

As a joint research lab of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe and the European Research Center for Information Systems (ERCIS) at the University of Münster, it combines scientific excellence with practical relevance in the field of processes and artificial intelligence.
At the Flow Factory, we pursue a design-oriented research approach in order to address practical issues. Our prototypes are developed in a human-centered and iterative way - in close collaboration with users. Evaluation is not just a final step, but accompanies the entire development process so that solutions can be continuously adapted and improved.

Voices from practice

Voices from research

JVB Flow Factory — "At the *Flow Factory*, we work in a design-oriented way: students, scientists and practitioners design solutions for the future. Together, we will explore the enormous potential for innovation as well as the responsible use of AI."
Prof. Dr. Jan vom Brocke - *Full professor at the University of Münster and director of the Department for Information Systems*

MichaelRaeckers — "The *Flow Factory* breaks up structures and drives things forward. It is an engine for new thinking and innovative approaches. No “that's how it's always been” but a platform and space for people who want to digitize processes for the future in a creative and motivated way."
Dr. Michael Räckers - *Managing director of the Department for Information Systems at the University of Münster*

Marleen Flow Factory — "The *Flow Factory* is our lab for the future - this is where we rethink processes. Curiosity, technology and practice come together to develop concrete solutions for the challenges of tomorrow. It is a place for experimentation, collaboration and sustainable impact."
Dr. Marleen Voß - *Assisstent professor at the University of Münster*

Thomas Flow Factory — "Thanks to the sponsors, we have the unique opportunity to build a platform for students, partner companies and scientists and to conduct joint research on the relevant topics of our time."
Dr. Thomas Haskamp - *Assistent professor at the University of Münster*

brandt — "The *Flow Factory* shows that even major financial players are willing to invest in research in a targeted manner and seek to work closely with the scientific community - on an equal footing and with a genuine interest in joint solutions. This is not only a strong signal for knowledge transfer, but also for education."
Prof. Dr. Tobias Brandt - *Full professor at the University of Münster*

gieseke — "The *Flow Factory* not only promises a high practical benefit for the sponsors, but will also enrich research and teaching with valuable impulses. In particular, I expect the joint activities to provide new insights into the targeted adaptation of current approaches to complex practical issues. The close integration of research and application will provide a fruitful environment for iteratively testing and further developing innovative concepts."
Prof. Dr. Fabian Gieseke - *Full professor at the University of Münster*

becker — "The future of financial service providers has already begun, and it is progressing inexorably. The aim of the *Flow Factory* is to play an active role in shaping it. Practitioners, academics and students work together to introduce new methods and techniques for the effective implementation of financial services and for the benefit of people in financial companies. Methodological knowledge, technical knowledge and financial services knowledge come together in a unique symbiosis so as not to be overwhelmed by the future, but to shape it in a structured way to increase prosperity."
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jörg Becker - *Senior professor at the University of Münster*

Flow Forum: Start-Up Edition

04.11.2025 | Flow Factory Event Space – Leonardo-Campus 11, 48149 Münster

How do you successfully lead a start-up to exit? And how do you manage the transition from start-up to enterprise? We want to answer these questions at the Flow Forum in the Start-Up Edition with Marc Bober, Managing Director of Web Computing. In a relaxed atmosphere, we want to discuss these topics together and give students insights into life at a start-up. In this way, we hope to create personal connections and strengthen the long-term exchange between students and practitioners via the Flow Factory. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a short welcome by the Flow Factory team and a brief introduction to Flow Factory. We would then like to initiate a moderated fireside chat between Marc Bober and a representative of Flow Factory, which will also invite students to ask questions. Following the official part, there will be time for networking over cool drinks.