From research to practice.
The IOTECH Automation story.
Founded in 2021 by Yannick Pilous and Andreas Berenz in Hürth, Germany, with the goal of turning research insights into practical applications. We close the gap between academic innovation and industrial reality — with proven engineering methods and smart new solutions.
How we got started
The idea behind IOTECH Automation was born while working together as research associates at the Process Control and Automation Lab (PLT-Labor) at TH Köln, led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Norbert Große. There, Yannick Pilous and Andreas Berenz identified a central problem: the slow adoption of automation technologies in industrial settings, even though innovative solutions were already being developed in research.
Today we are based in Hürth in the Rhein-Erft region and combine established engineering methods with smart new solutions for planning, building, and maintaining industrial plants. That way we bring academic excellence directly to industrial practice in Germany and beyond.
Our journey: 2020 to today
From first freelance projects to an established engineering firm
The beginning
Yannick Pilous and Andreas Berenz work as freelance electrical engineers, developing automation solutions for small and medium-sized chemical companies and municipalities in the Cologne area.
Founding of IOTECH Automation GmbH
Spin-off from the PLT Lab with a focus on MTP (Module Type Package) and NOA (NAMUR Open Architecture). The mission begins: bring research insights into real-world practice.
Expansion and relocation
Expansion of the service portfolio to include functional safety and explosion protection. Office move from Cologne to Frechen.
Continued growth
Team grows to 12 employees (full- and part-time) and moves into new, larger offices in Hürth (135 m²). Established as an engineering partner across the region.
Our mission
We transfer innovative research insights into practical automation solutions, closing the gap between academic development and industrial application. By combining proven engineering methods with smart new technologies, we optimize planning, construction, and maintenance of industrial plants.
Our vision
We aspire to be the leading bridge between research and industry. Our goal is to accelerate the implementation of advanced automation technologies and thereby sustainably increase the efficiency and safety of industrial processes.
IOTECH today
12 employees
Experienced engineers and specialists
Hürth office
135 m² of modern workspace
Regional presence
Customers throughout Germany and beyond
Our location in Hürth
Centrally located in the Rhein-Erft region — easy to reach for customers from all over Germany and Europe.
IOTECH Automation GmbH
Horchstr. 2
50354 Hürth
North Rhine-Westphalia
Germany
Our modern office in Hürth offers 135 m² of workspace for our 12-person team. The central location in the Rhein-Erft region lets us serve customers across NRW and Germany efficiently.
Our expert team
Our strength lies in the unique combination of a scientific background with hands-on industry experience.
Andreas Berenz
Geschäftsführer und Functional Safety Engineer
Yannick Pilous
Geschäftsführer und Functional Safety Engineer
Jan John
Technischer Leiter und Explosionsschutzfachkraft
Björn Campe
Projektingenieur, EMSR und Funktionale Sicherheit
Vinh Phung
Projektingenieur, IoT-Engineer
Felix Kühl
Projektingenieur, KI-Developer
Sven Fuchs
Vertriebsingenieur
Laurent Weber
Projektingenieur, Engineering Automation
Mourad Ali Moussa
Projektingenieur EMSR-Planung
Elisa Makarow
Office Management
Nicolas Franz
Web Developer
Innovation and excellence
Our values reflect our academic origin and our practical focus.
Innovation
We combine the latest research insights with proven technologies to develop forward-looking solutions.
Engineering excellence
Methodical precision and the highest quality standards shape our work — from concept to execution.
Knowledge transfer
As a bridge between science and practice, we foster continuous exchange and development.