History

IfU GmbH – Private Institute for Environmental Analysis was founded in 1993 by four former employees of Chemnitz University of Technology: Professor Dr. Wolfram Scharff, Dr. Günther Schmidt, Till Wallendorf, and Axel Delan. With scientific experience, entrepreneurial pioneering spirit, and a clear vision, they developed the company into a high-performing provider of environmental analysis and instrumentation.

Even in its early years, the company grew dynamically and soon employed over 25 people. Today, more than 40 specialists work within the IfU Group.

Since 2022, IfU GmbH has been under new management. With a clear focus on future-oriented technologies, sustainable applications, and scientifically sound solutions, we are actively shaping the transformation in environmental and measurement technology. Our expertise in geophysics, environmental analysis, and data-driven agriculture makes us a reliable partner for research, industry, and the public sector.

Innovation from developmentInnovation from development

Over the past decades, we have developed numerous technologies and systems that have not only shaped our expertise but also significantly influenced the company’s technological direction – including:
 

  • a portable, internet-enabled ECG device („IntelliCard“, 1998)
  • innovative methods for emission measurement (1999)
  • optical spectrometers for characterizing plasma coating systems (2004)
  • controllers for electrodeless UV lamps (2005)
  • a device system for characterizing laser melting systems (2007)
  • remote diagnostic temperature profiler (2014)

 
Many of these developments have emerged from research and development projects that continue to shape our innovation culture. They form the foundation for new ideas and applications in current technology fields.
 
A particular focus of our current work lies in the application of innovative measurement technology in agriculture and geophysics. Our solutions are used, among other things, in soil analysis, fruit growing, and livestock farming. Here, they enable precise diagnostics, resource-saving processes, and data-driven decisions – for greater sustainability and efficiency in sensitive environmental areas.

TimelineTimeline

  • 1999Establishment of IfU Diagnostic Systems with a focus on scientific instrument manufacturing and service provision
  • 2000Move into the new company building in Lichtenau
  • 2004Spin-off of IfU GmbH – Private Institute for Analytics with a focus on environmental analytics and environmental services
  • 2008Establishment of ITS Innovation und Technologie Service GmbH & Co. KG, specializing in innovative business consulting
  • 2017Development of the business unit for UAV measurement services
  • TodayOver 40 employees, numerous patents and utility models, strong research partnerships, technological applications in agriculture and geophysics