During the GNI Symposium & Expo on Artificial Intelligence for the Built World, Prof. Georg Nemetschek, founder of the Nemetschek Group, was awarded the title of Honorary Senator. This prestigious recognition highlights his groundbreaking contributions to the construction and software industries, as well as his dedication to supporting young talent and advancing research.
In a moving ceremony, TUM President Prof. Dr. Thomas F. Hofmann honored Prof. Nemetschek, describing him as a "trailblazer" who transformed digital construction and left an indelible mark on the field. Born in 1934, Prof. Nemetschek's career began at TUM, where he studied civil engineering and later founded his own engineering firm in 1963. His vision for using software to optimize construction design marked the start of the Nemetschek Group, which grew to become a global leader in construction software, covering the entire life cycle of infrastructure projects.
Prof. Hofmann praised Nemetschek’s foresight in adopting early computer technology to advance structural engineering, setting standards that continue to influence the construction industry worldwide. Beyond his business achievements, Prof. Nemetschek has been a dedicated educator, serving as a professor and dean at the Munich University of Applied Sciences, where he ensured students had access to cutting-edge technology. His lifelong dedication to fostering innovation earned him multiple awards, including the Federal Cross of Merit and Konrad Zuse plaque.
Prof. Nemetschek’s philanthropic impact has been equally profound. Through the Nemetschek Foundation and Nemetschek Innovation Foundation, he has supported democratic values and promoted excellence in research, education, and entrepreneurship within the construction sector. His initiatives have fueled the growth of TUM’s research and training, inspiring the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs.
Concluding the award ceremony, Prof. Hofmann expressed gratitude for Nemetschek’s enduring connection with TUM, commending his invaluable support in creating new avenues for research and real-world innovation. As Prof. Nemetschek accepted the honorary title, the audience celebrated his legacy with applause, underscoring his lasting influence on TUM, the industry, and society at large.