Who I Am

Thomas I. Maindl is fascinated with converting scientific methodology into real, tangible profit. He developed and sold his first business application at the age of 16 and held expert and management positions in the chemical and software industries in the US and Germany for more than 15 years before founding the freelance business Dr. Maindl Consulting in 2009. In 2019, he founded SDB Science-driven Business Ltd which focuses on advanced analytics and data science delivering state-of-the-art consulting and training pertaining to scientific computing, optimization, and mathematical modeling.

He successfully developed, implemented, and deployed optimization-based advanced planning applications with measurable ROI for customers in the chemical, energy, high-tech and other industries around the world and wrote the book “Real optimization with SAP® APO” (Springer). Apart from industry, Dr. Maindl scientifically consults universities and research institutions around the world, ranging from life science modeling to managing complex dynamics codes. He has also organized over two dozen multi-day training events on mathematical modeling and coding internationally.

Dr. Maindl earned his MSc and PhD degrees in astronomy from the University of Vienna, Austria and is still an active scientist, also contributing to space missions as a scientific consultant. He has published numerous research papers in astrophysics, edited a book on extrasolar planetary systems, wrote a textbook on cubic spline interpolation, and delivers first-class lectures on astrophysics, applied numerical mathematics, scientific high-performance computing, advanced planning with SAP® APO, logistics, and supply chain management at universities and business schools internationally.

Achievements and Competences

• Developed and sold first business application at the age of 16 (accounting and customer management for small businesses)
• In-depth background on mathematical programming, optimization, computational physics, and developing & implementing algorithms: PhD on numerical general relativity, numerous publications on real-world modeling, productive industry applications
• Technology savvy and able to implement for the benefit of large organizations: various expert and management positions in industry e.g., BASF Corp. USA (Sr. Staff Specialist Advanced Technology), SAP SE Germany (Sr. Program Manager Competitive Intelligence)
• Versatile global player: successful projects in a wide range of industries and institutions on a global scale (Europe, USA, India, Japan)