With Simulation to the Top of Industry 4.0
Interview with Jens Cornelis, CEO of FIFTY2 Technology GmbH
Whether in the automotive industry, electronic components, or chip manufacturing – wherever fluids play a critical role, precise physical simulation helps solve complex problems. FIFTY2 Technology GmbH from Freiburg im Breisgau has established itself as a global market leader in this niche. Their key to success: scientific depth, innovative strength, and a collaborative, agile sales approach.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Cornelis, how did FIFTY2 come about and what were the key milestones?
Jens Cornelis: We founded FIFTY2 in 2015 – it originated from a research project at the University of Freiburg. My co-founder Markus Ihmsen and I were working on physical simulation, especially of fluids. It quickly became clear to us: What we had developed had to move out of the academic context – into application. Our first concrete application was the water crossing in vehicles. So: How does a car behave when it drives through water? Where could water penetrate? How does this affect the engine or battery? This highly specialized area was our starting point – and today it is a domain in which we are world leaders.
Wirtschaftsforum: And from there has your scope of influence steadily expanded?
Jens Cornelis: Exactly. After starting in the water management sector, we successively expanded into other simulation fields – such as transmissions, electric motors, or thermal simulations. A crucial milestone was establishing a partnership in 2018 with AVL List GmbH, a globally active Austrian company. Since then, AVL has been handling the worldwide distribution and support for our software. This allows us to fully focus on product development and research. Our team now employs around 40 staff, almost all of them in development.
Wirtschaftsforum: What does your business model look like in detail?
Jens Cornelis: Our software PreonLab is distributed as a licensing model. It enables realistic, physics-based simulations of fluids and complex flow processes – such as during water crossings, cooling processes, or interaction with components. Our customers primarily come from the automotive industry, but increasingly also from mechanical engineering, electronics and chip manufacturing, or process engineering. About two-thirds of our revenue is generated abroad, with strong growth currently especially in China.
Wirtschaftsforum: What challenges are you currently experiencing in the market?
Jens Cornelis: The uncertainties in the automotive industry, especially in Europe, are also noticeable for us. Many projects are being delayed or put on hold. At the same time, we see an increasing willingness to invest in Asia, especially in China, also towards simulation and digitalization. Therefore, our focus is strongly on diversification: new sectors, new application areas, new markets.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you position yourself in international competition?
Jens Cornelis: In addition to technological excellence, communication plays a key role. Although sales are outsourced, we retain control over external representation. This also includes being selectively present at professional conferences rather than primarily at trade fairs. There, we meet our users and decision-makers directly. Moreover, we rely on strong internal communication, an international team, and flat hierarchies. Many of our employees work remotely – with regular personal meetings to strengthen team cohesion.
Wirtschaftsforum: What influence does artificial intelligence have on your work?
Jens Cornelis: We are already using AI as a support tool today – for instance, in code analysis or internal knowledge management. Regarding our software, AI will become even more important in the future: for example, for voice-controlled modeling or the evaluation of simulation results. The goal is not to replace humans, but to augment them.
Wirtschaftsforum: What is the future path for FIFTY2 in the coming years?
Jens Cornelis: On one hand, we aim to further expand our leadership role in the field of water management – by enlarging our solution portfolio and specifically targeting adjacent thematic areas. On the other hand, we are actively pushing forward with diversification. We are particularly excited about markets related to electronics, heat pump technology, or chip manufacturing. In all areas where liquids play a role and simulation offers added value, we see great potential.
Wirtschaftsforum: What else is important to you as an entrepreneur?
Jens Cornelis: Two points: First, that our society remains open. We find our best talents globally – for that, we need cultural openness, international mobility, and a clear rejection of isolation. And second, I wish for more determination in the industry, especially in the automotive sector. From my perspective, decisions are still made too hesitantly on whether and how to approach new technologies like electromobility really boldly and with a future-oriented mindset.