  The laser-driven generation of relativistic electron beams in plasma and
their acceleration to high energies with GV/m-gradients has been successfully
demonstrated. Now, it is time to focus on the application of laser-plasma
accelerated (LPA) beams. The "Accelerator Technology HElmholtz iNfrAstructure"
(ATHENA) of the Helmholtz Association fosters innovative particle accelerators
and high-power laser technology. As part of the ATHENAe pillar several
different applications driven by LPAs are to be developed, such as a compact
FEL, medical imaging and the first realization of LPA-beam injection into a
storage ring. The latter endeavour is conducted in close collaboration between
Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
(KIT) and Helmholtz Institute Jena (HIJ). In the cSTART project at KIT, a
compact storage ring optimized for short bunches and suitable to accept
LPA-based electron bunches is in preparation. In this conference contribution
we will introduce the 50 MeV LPA-based injector and give an overview about the
project goals. The key parameters of the plasma injector will be presented.
Finally, the current status of the project will be summarized.
