In the beginning of 2010, the Software-Cluster was selected among the five remaining finalists in the Cluster of Excellence Contest of the Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The BMBF is sponsoring the implementation of the five projects within the Cluster for a maximum of 5 years, providing up to 40 million Euros.

The aim of this contest is to help further guide Germany to the top of the leading nations in technology.

One of the great challenges of the future is in software innovations which, in light of the rapid developments toward an Internet society, strengthen the economic productivity of companies within their networks. Information and communication technology (ICT) is the decisive driving force for product and process innovations. Digital enterprises are dynamically adapting their business models and business processes in line with these developments.

The current basis for the development of business software of the future is a paradigm shift in the software industry pointing towards flexible, service-oriented software platforms. Digital companies will be able to more easily combine services in the Internet of the future and, therefore, implement business processes more quickly, dynamically, and flexibly. The combination of powerful solutions can simultaneously expand the services’ functionality. In regards to future business software solutions, the “emerging software” concept is playing a decisive role.

Some of the Software-Cluster's other objectives include educating 5,000 skilled professionals in five years, launching 30 companies in the cluster's core area of expertise, and persuading leading foreign companies to establish a presence in the cluster region. According to recent numbers, at least €300 million will be invested in these efforts. The Software-Cluster spans centers in Darmstadt, Kaiserslautern, Karlsruhe, Saarbrücken and Walldorf. IMC is member of the strategy board.