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July 8
- Open Call for Applications for the 'Innovation Award Laser Technology 2026' – Closing Date December 1, 2025
➀ The Innovation Award Laser Technology 2026, offering €10,000 in prize money, is open for applications until December 1, 2025, recognizing groundbreaking innovations in laser technology for industrial applications.
➁ Eligible applicants include individuals or groups from European industries, universities, or research centers working on laser beam sources, systems, or manufacturing processes with demonstrated commercial value.
➂ Past winners (2010-2024) include projects like laser-based recycling systems, automotive laser welding, and ultrafast laser ablation, highlighting the award’s focus on practical industrial advancements.
- Announcement of the »Innovation Award Laser Technology 2026« – Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
➀ The Innovation Award Laser Technology 2026, offering a €10,000 prize, invites applications by December 1, 2025, to recognize innovations in laser-based material processing;
➁ Open to European individuals and teams, the award focuses on advancements from applied research to industrial implementation with proven economic benefits;
➂ Winners will be selected by an international jury and honored at the AKL'26 Congress in Aachen on April 22, 2026.
- From 0 to 100 in 12 Minutes – Roadmap for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
➀ International research highlights lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) as next-gen energy storage with 10x higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries and ultra-fast charging potential (as low as 12 minutes);
➁ Technical challenges include sulfur insulation, cathode expansion, and lithium dendrite growth, addressed through optimized materials (3D carbon structures, catalytic additives) and AI-driven design;
➂ Multi-national collaboration demonstrates prototypes achieving 2 mAh/cm² at practical charging speeds, supported by EU and Asian research funds for future e-mobility applications.
July 7
- Testing Innovative Technology for Reliable Flood Warnings
➀ The district of Mayen-Koblenz and Hochschule Koblenz collaborate on the RIOT project, enhancing flood warning systems using IoT and dual network technology for resilient data transmission;
➀ The project integrates LoRaWAN gateways and redundant connectivity to ensure real-time water level monitoring during crises, supported by the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI);
➂ Solutions developed under the "Public Money, Public Code" principle will be open-source, enabling broader regional adoption as part of the Smart Region MYK10 initiative.
- The Future of Open-Source Silicon Was Widely Debated at IHP – Summary of the FSiC 2025 Conference
➀ The 5th Free Silicon Conference (FSiC 2025) was held at IHP in Frankfurt, focusing on open-source EDA tools and open ecosystems for integrated circuit design;
➁ Key topics included development of open-source digital/analog design tools, hardware security, EU-funded projects, and interoperability with industrial workflows;
➂ The event highlighted Europe's push for technological sovereignty through open standards and transparent innovation in semiconductor design.
- The Future of Open-Source Silicon Was the Focus of the FSiC 2025 Conference at IHP
➀ The 5th Free Silicon Conference (FSiC 2025) took place at IHP in Frankfurt (Oder), focusing on open-source EDA tools and integrated circuit design to advance Europe's technological sovereignty;
➁ Over 30 technical sessions covered digital/analog circuit design, simulation, PDKs, hardware security, and EU funding initiatives, highlighting interoperability between open-source tools and industrial workflows;
➂ IHP and the Free Silicon Foundation emphasized open standards and collaboration as critical for innovation, with lab tours and EU co-funded projects reinforcing the event's impact.
July 3
- New Production Process for Metal-Polymer Current Collectors
➀ Fraunhofer FEP developed a roll-to-roll production method to create metal-polymer current collectors, replacing conventional metal foils with polymer substrates coated in copper/aluminum layers, improving battery energy density and safety;
➁ The novel collectors interrupt current flow during short circuits by melting the polymer layer, preventing thermal runaway, and use gas-cooled rollers for heat management during high-speed processing;
➂ Prototype pouch cells with these collectors matched traditional cells in performance tests, demonstrating industrial feasibility for next-gen lithium-ion batteries.
- Cooperation Between BBS Technik Cloppenburg and the Private University of Business and Technology Vechta/Diepholz
➀ BBS Technik Cloppenburg and PHWT signed a cooperation agreement, enabling vocational students in mechatronics to earn credits for a dual study program in mechatronics/electrical engineering;
➁ Future collaborations include joint laboratory projects at PHWT Diepholz and an innovative IT module with BBZ Diepholz;
➂ PHWT offers schools campus visits, guest lectures, and STEM programs like the 'MINT-Uni' to promote technical education and dual studies.
- HTW Berlin Home Storage Ranking: New Top Performers in the 5-Kilowatt Class
➀ HTW Berlin updated its energy storage evaluation tool with new test results for SMA and SAX Power systems, both achieving over 92.8% System Performance Index (SPI) in the 5kW category;
➁ SMA's Home Storage 6.5 leverages silicon carbide semiconductors for 96% efficiency, while SAX Power increased charging power to 3.4kW, optimizing solar energy storage;
➂ The 2026 evaluation is open for manufacturer participation until November 2025, aiming to enhance transparency in the home storage market.
- “HelpFix” – A Robot as a Guide Dog for the Blind
➀ A team from Hochschule Kaiserslautern and ENSISA Mulhouse won the Trinatronics competition with "HelpFix," a low-cost robot guide dog that uses natural language processing and autonomous navigation to assist visually impaired individuals;
➁ Developed in 7 months under €500 via agile methods, the project combined mechatronics expertise from German and French universities;
➂ Competing against innovations like AI-powered hockey trainers and water-quality drones, HelpFix claimed the top prize (€1,500), with plans to explore open-source or commercialization pathways.
July 2
- Construction Manuals for Affordable and AI-Capable Drones
➀ Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences is developing low-cost, customizable AI-enabled drones using off-the-shelf components and open software modules for education and research;
➁ Funded by hessian.AI, the project aims to bridge the gap between high technical demands and limited budgets, enabling practical learning and innovative applications in fields like computer science, engineering, and environmental studies;
➂ Detailed construction guides will be published under a free license to encourage community collaboration and expand use cases in IoT, autonomous navigation, and interdisciplinary research.
- Fraunhofer FHR's Wachtberg-Forum: Radar in Focus for Security and Defense
➀ The Fraunhofer FHR Wachtberg-Forum highlighted radar technology's critical role in military and civilian security across land, sea, air, and space, with Bundeswehr Space Command emphasizing space domain awareness;
➁ A strategic partnership with Quantum Systems was announced, advancing drone-based surveillance and radar innovation for defense applications;
➂ The event showcased cognitive RF systems, experimental radar technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address evolving global security challenges.
- Distance Learning Students at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences Celebrate Their Graduation
➀ Eleven graduates from the distance learning Master's programs in Electrical Engineering (M.Sc.) and Reliability Engineering (M.Eng.) celebrated their graduation at a ceremony in Darmstadt, attended by faculty and family;
➁ The programs, offered by Hochschule Darmstadt and Technische Hochschule Aschaffenburg in collaboration with zfh, emphasize career advancement in technical and leadership roles;
➂ Speakers highlighted the challenges of balancing work and study, commending graduates as role models for perseverance and professional growth.
- TU Dresden's Hans Kleemann Awarded 2025 Joachim Herz Prize for Pioneering Biotech Research in Fossil-Free Electronics
➀ Dr. Hans Kleemann of TU Dresden received the 2025 Joachim Herz Prize (€500,000) for his bio-based, recyclable circuit board research under the "UnbeLEAFable" project, aiming to replace conventional electronics components with sustainable alternatives inspired by leaf vascular structures;
➁ The innovation combines biodegradable bioplastics and natural leaf skeletons to create eco-friendly printed circuit boards (PCBs), reducing fossil fuel dependency and enabling efficient recycling of electronic waste, which accounts for 62 million tons annually;
➂ The funding addresses the "Valley of Death" in product development, bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application, with potential to revolutionize the electronics industry toward a circular economy.
July 1
- Students from Stralsund University Win One of the World's Largest Energy Efficiency Competitions
➀ The ThaiGer-H2-Racing team from Hochschule Stralsund secured the European championship at the Shell Eco-Marathon 2025, achieving a record 1,024 km/m³ efficiency in the hydrogen fuel cell category.
➁ Their second team, Bengalo Racing, ranked 7th in the Urban Concept electric vehicle category with a 21 km/kWh improvement, showcasing advancements in practical automotive design.
➂ This marks the university's seventh title in the competition since 2008, outperforming teams from Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, and other European countries.
- Mario Ragwitz Becomes New Spokesperson of Fraunhofer Excellence Cluster CINES
➀ Prof. Dr. Mario Ragwitz is appointed as the spokesperson of the Fraunhofer Excellence Cluster CINES, succeeding Prof. Dr. Hans-Martin Henning, who led the cluster since its founding in 2019.
➁ CINES involves ten Fraunhofer institutes focusing on integrated energy systems, including energy system analysis, digitalization, power electronics, and heat, emphasizing collaboration to address energy transition challenges.
➂ Ragwitz highlights the cluster's role in developing solutions for decarbonizing industrial, heating, and transportation sectors, referencing projects like the TransHyDE hydrogen initiative and the need for systemic infrastructure integration.
- Improved Indoor Environmental Quality in Industrial Workplaces
➀ Fraunhofer researchers developed OPTIMA PRO and DressMAN360°, combining sensor measurements (temperature, noise, lighting) with worker surveys to holistically evaluate industrial workplace comfort;
➁ The approach addresses dynamic factory conditions (e.g., machinery noise, airflows) and subjective perceptions, aiming to enhance employee health and productivity;
➂ DressMAN360°, originally used in vehicle cabins, evolved into an industrial standard tool to reduce strain on workers and improve occupational appeal in manufacturing settings.
- AI-Driven Lifecycle Management for End-of-Life Household Appliances
➀ Fraunhofer IPK and partners developed an AI system to determine if end-of-life appliances should be refurbished or recycled, using image recognition and cloud-based analysis;
➁ The system employs visual quality scoring (1-5) via mobile apps and synthetic training data, aiming for over 97% identification accuracy;
➂ Integrated with robotic process automation and e-commerce platforms, the project targets reducing carbon footprints and advancing circular economy practices in Germany and Europe.
- Using AI to Recycle Old Electrical Appliances
➀ Fraunhofer IPK, in collaboration with HaKiGo and YES Ecosystems, is developing a cloud-based AI system to assess whether used household appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines) should be refurbished or recycled, aiming to reduce waste and promote a circular economy;
➁ The AI system uses image recognition and dialog-based mobile apps to evaluate device quality (scored 1-5), predict pricing, and automate resale processes via e-commerce platforms;
➂ The project integrates robotic process automation (RPA) and synthetic data training, targeting a 97% recognition accuracy and synchronization with recycling management systems to reduce CO2 emissions by 2026.
- Markus Krutzik Appointed Professor of Integrated Quantum Sensors at HU Berlin
❶ Markus Krutzik, head of the Joint Lab Integrated Quantum Sensors at Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH), has been appointed as W3-S Professor at HU Berlin, focusing on advancing compact quantum sensor technology.
❷ His research targets practical applications like next-gen satellite navigation, medical biomagnetic field measurements, and quantum internet infrastructure, leveraging microintegration and space-grade laser technologies.
❸ Collaborations with FBH, HU Berlin, and international partners aim to strengthen Germany's quantum technology sovereignty through robust, space-ready semiconductor-based systems.
- Markus Krutzik Appointed Professor of Integrated Quantum Sensing at Humboldt University of Berlin
➀ Markus Krutzik was appointed as a W3-S Professor of Integrated Quantum Sensing at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, emphasizing the critical role of quantum sensing in Germany and Europe's technological sovereignty;
➁ His research focuses on developing compact, high-precision quantum sensors for satellite navigation, medical technology, and quantum internet infrastructure, leveraging semiconductor technologies and microintegration;
➂ Collaborations with international partners and regional quantum technology networks aim to advance real-world applications, including space-ready systems and advanced laser technologies.
- Bachelor of Engineering: Expanding Career Opportunities in the Engineering Field
➀ The Technische Hochschule Aschaffenburg announced online information sessions for its part-time Bachelor of Engineering programs (Electrical/Information Technology and Industrial Engineering), targeting professionals seeking leadership roles in engineering;
➁ The programs combine flexible self-study with on-campus sessions and integrate practical research labs, with applications open until August 15, 2025;
➂ Collaborating with Hochschule Darmstadt and zfh, the curriculum emphasizes career advancement for working adults through an eight-semester structure.
June 30
- The Hearing Car on a Test Drive: Fraunhofer IDMT and CARIAD Test Acoustic Sensor Technology for Automated Driving
➀ Fraunhofer IDMT-HSA and CARIAD SE are testing new acoustic sensors and measurement technology in vehicles to enhance automated driving by detecting external sounds like emergency sirens and enabling voice interaction;
➁ The systems underwent rigorous testing in Sweden under extreme weather conditions (snow, ice, heat, and rain) to evaluate reliability and usability;
➂ The KI4BoardNet project focuses on developing AI-driven vehicle power and data networks, integrating sensor data with real-time vehicle metrics for future automotive applications.
- New Online Evening Study Semester Starts at WBH: Save up to €2,562 with Early Bird Discount
➀ Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule offers six Bachelor programs (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Computer Science) through its online evening study format, starting September 2025;
➁ Key benefits include small-group learning (≤30 students), weekly virtual sessions, flexible self-study, and personalized tutoring;
➂ Early applicants before July 15, 2025, qualify for a 'Super Early Bird' discount of up to €2,562.
June 27
- New 80 kW test bench strengthens hydrogen infrastructure in Saxony
➀ Fraunhofer IWU will deploy an 80 kW fuel cell test bench in October 2025 to evaluate performance and durability of hydrogen systems, supporting industrial clients and projects like Clean Energy City;
➁ The institute’s Referenzfabrik.H2 initiative focuses on optimizing manufacturing processes for electrolyzers and fuel cells to enable cost-effective mass production;
➂ Expansion includes new test infrastructure in Chemnitz and Görlitz, featuring electrolyzer testing up to 2 MW and climate simulation chambers for hydrogen storage and production R&D.
June 26
- Provision of 4-inch Aluminum Nitride Crystals for Future Markets in Power Electronics and UV Photonics
➀ Three leading semiconductor entities—Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ), PVA TePla AG, and Siltronic AG—collaborate to scale aluminum nitride (AlN) crystal growth from 2-inch to 4-inch wafers, targeting industrial applications;
➁ AlN's ultra-wide bandgap properties enable high-efficiency power electronics (e.g., electric mobility, renewable energy) and UV photonics (e.g., disinfection, medical/agricultural sensors);
➂ Partners aim to strengthen Europe's semiconductor sovereignty by combining expertise in crystal growth (IKZ), substrate development (Siltronic), and PVT-based industrial scaling (PVA TePla).
- Artificial Intelligence in Miniature Format for Small Devices
➀ Researchers from TU Graz and partners developed methods to run AI models on IoT devices with ≤4KB memory, enabling localized AI processing for applications like precision positioning;
➁ Techniques include modular specialized models, subspace configurable networks (SCNs), quantization, and pruning to optimize efficiency while maintaining accuracy;
➂ Potential applications span industrial automation (drone navigation), automotive security (keyless entry verification), and smart home systems with extended battery life.
- Miniature Artificial Intelligence for Smallest Devices
➀ Researchers from TU Graz, Pro2Future, and the University of St. Gallen developed methods to deploy AI models on resource-constrained IoT devices with as little as 4KB memory, enabling localized processing without external compute resources;
➁ The team used techniques like model partitioning, Subspace-Configurable Networks (SCNs), quantization, and pruning to balance model size and accuracy, achieving up to 7.8x faster image processing on IoT devices;
➂ Applications include industrial automation (e.g., drone/robot localization), smart home remote controls, and anti-spoofing for keyless car entry systems, demonstrating broad scalability across embedded systems.
- MasterKI: AI System for Status Monitoring of Mobile Machines in Port Logistics and Construction
➀ The University of Bremen collaborates with industry partners to develop an AI-driven modular edge computing system for real-time status monitoring of mobile machines in logistics and construction;
➁ The solution combines an AI cloud platform and transfer learning to minimize dependency on extensive field data, enhancing cost-effectiveness;
➂ Emphasizes data security through encryption and offers a user-friendly app to improve machine availability and operational efficiency.
- "MasterKI": AI System for Condition Monitoring of Mobile Machinery in Port Logistics and Construction
➀ Universität Bremen collaborates with ANEDO GmbH and SEGNO Industrie Automation to develop a modular edge-computing system combined with AI for real-time condition monitoring of mobile machinery in ports and construction;
➁ The system employs a cloud-based platform and transfer learning to analyze data, predict failures, and reduce reliance on extensive field data, improving cost efficiency;
➂ Enhanced data security measures with encryption and a user-friendly monitoring app aim to prevent unauthorized access and support industrial digitization.