COMSOL: From Start-up to Leader in Multiphysics
Interview with Dr. Thorsten Koch, Managing Director of Comsol Multiphysics GmbH
Comsol Multiphysics provides engineers and researchers with innovative tools to realistically simulate complex physical processes. In the interview, Managing Director Dr. Thorsten Koch explains how the company supports industrial customers with its simulation platform in mastering the challenges of digitalization.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Dr. Koch, Comsol Multiphysics will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in Germany next year. How has the company developed over the years?
Dr. Thorsten Koch: COMSOL was founded in 1986 in Sweden and has been growing steadily ever since. In 2000, we opened our branch office. Since then, we have been firmly established in this exciting simulation market. We have continuously developed and expanded our product portfolio. Today, we are represented worldwide with over 500 employees and can look back on 25 successful years in Germany.
Wirtschaftsforum: And what do you see as the crucial milestones that have made COMSOL what it is today?
Dr. Thorsten Koch: A very essential point is certainly our focus on multiphysics simulation. From the beginning, our goal has been to provide engineers and scientists with a platform that allows them to integrate all relevant physical processes into their models. This significantly distinguishes us from many competitors who often focus on single disciplines. Moreover, in recent years we have created the opportunity to make our simulation tools available in the form of apps to a wider audience – this is another important milestone on our path.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the core competencies and distinctive features of your simulation software?
Dr. Thorsten Koch: The key to our success is our holistic, multiphysical approach. Our software enables all relevant physical processes and phenomena to be considered in one model. This is unique in the market and allows our customers to comprehensively simulate complex issues. In addition, we have made great strides in the user-friendliness and integration of our solutions, such as through the introduction of our simulation apps.
Wirtschaftsforum: How have recent crises such as the coronavirus pandemic and the Ukraine war affected your business?
Dr. Thorsten Koch: Thanks to our broadly diversified customer portfolio, we are very crisis-resistant. While demand temporarily declined in some areas, we were able to significantly increase in other segments such as digitalization and automation. Overall, our business has proven to be very stable during this turbulent phase. Our customers appreciated that they could continue working with our software from home.
Wirtschaftsforum: What innovations have you brought to market in recent years?
Dr. Thorsten Koch: One successful innovation was the introduction of the Application Builder, which greatly simplifies model usage for our users and makes simulation accessible to a much broader audience. Additionally, with the introduction of surrogate models based on AI technologies, COMSOL users can perform simulations practically in real-time, making the technology even more practical.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you address the acute shortage of skilled workers in your company?
Dr. Thorsten Koch: The shortage of skilled workers is indeed a major challenge that we must face. On one hand, we optimize our internal processes to become more efficient and reduce staffing needs. On the other hand, we patiently and specifically search for suitable talents, even though the market is tight. We have a very friendly and open working atmosphere where people advocate for each other. This positive atmosphere is rooted in our values of honesty and modesty: We are transparent in our decisions and actions, and we do not put ourselves in the forefront, but rather the amazing achievements of our users who accomplish great things with our software. All of this helps us to excite qualified employees about our company and to bind them to us in the long term.
Wirtschaftsforum: Where do you see COMSOL in five or ten years? What goals have you set?
Dr. Thorsten Koch: Our goal is to further expand our market leadership in the field of multiphysics simulation. We want to establish our technology in more industries and applications and convince even more engineers and researchers of our solutions. For this, we will continue to advance our product development and continuously improve our customer service. Also, expanding our international presence is an important strategic focus for us.
Wirtschaftsforum: What personally motivates you to work for Comsol?
Dr. Thorsten Koch: It is primarily the fascinating subject matter itself that excites me anew every day. But also, the dedicated team I get to work with is a tremendous source of motivation. In all the years since I've been with Comsol, there has not been a single dull day – there is always something new to learn and something to be enthusiastic about.