New foreign office in Chicago supports Thuringian exporters in US business

It was during the large delegation trip to the East Coast of the USA in May of this year that Minister-President Mario Voigt publicly announced the establishment of a Thuringian foreign representation office. In October, the contract was awarded to LotusFDI in Chicago – a consulting firm specializing in international investment promotion and market entry strategies. With over fifteen years of experience in transatlantic business development, Daniel Feldkamp, ​​as Vice President, is responsible for export promotion.

In the following short interview, we introduce you to Daniel Feldkamp:

Mr. Feldkamp, ​​welcome to the LEG team. Could you please briefly introduce yourself and your office to our readers?

Gladly. My name is Daniel Feldkamp, ​​and together with Shannon Lynch, I head the new Thuringian office in Chicago, supporting companies from the Free State of Thuringia in accessing the US market. With LotusFDI, we have a presence in both the USA and Europe, combining transatlantic market expertise with a clear focus on industry and technology.

What specific offers can you provide to support Thuringian exporters in their US business?

We offer practical support, from market analysis and the identification of suitable customers and partners to B2B programs and soft landing solutions. Our goal is to guide Thuringian companies into the US market in a structured, fast, and targeted manner.

Despite challenging conditions: Which industries or trends currently offer good starting points for Thuringian exporters?

Aerospace and air mobility, pharmaceuticals and biotech, advanced manufacturing, automation, and research and development remain particularly dynamic sectors. US companies are actively seeking reliable European technology partners in these areas – a clear advantage for Thuringian suppliers.

Thank you very much, Mr. Feldkamp!

The new foreign office is part of a larger initiative: Thuringian business delegations regularly visit the United States as part of politically supported delegation trips or business visits. A business trip for 2026 is currently being considered and is being finalized in the planning process. Furthermore, a joint Thuringian booth at the SPIE Defense + Security trade fair is planned for April of next year, marking the first time the region will have a presence there.

Last year, a Thuringian Innovation Camp was co-organized in San Francisco, and its results were evaluated at the last meeting of the Transatlantic Circle Thuringia (TACT). This networking event also included a live video call with Daniel Feldkamp, ​​who presented the company LotusFDI and its services. The next TACT will take place in February/March 2026 at Amazon in Gera.

By the way: Daniel Feldkamp will be attending the upcoming Thuringian Foreign Trade Day (AWT) in Jena on March 24, 2026, and will be available for consultations. Registration for the AWT is expected to open on our website at the beginning of next year.