➀ The APECS pilot line, a key part of the EU Chips Act, is launched to advance chiplet innovations and enhance European semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. ➁ The pilot line will provide low-barrier access to cutting-edge technologies for large companies, SMEs, and startups, ensuring secure and resilient semiconductor value chains. ➂ The APECS project is co-financed by the Chips Joint Undertaking and national funds from Belgium, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Austria, Portugal, and Spain, with a total funding of 730 million euros over 4.5 years.

➀ The Hochschule Bochum researchers have achieved a significant milestone in a pioneering project for decentralized green hydrogen usage in mini-grids with partners SFC Energy AG and Green Power Brains. ➁ The system integrates a solar PV plant with a 200 kWp capacity and a 20 kW PEM electrolysis system, storing hydrogen in 48 high-pressure gas cylinders. ➂ The project focuses on the sustainability assessment and global scalability potential of hydrogen technologies for local applications, with the goal of developing a roadmap for integrating green hydrogen into decentralized energy systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ghana.

➀ The US authorises Ukraine to fire US-made rockets into Russia; ➁ France and the UK are considering allowing the use of their long-range missiles; ➂ Heavy Russian bombing in Ukraine prompts international response and condemnation.

➀ NATO's latest survey shows increasing disagreement among member countries about continued support for Ukraine; ➁ The US saw the most significant change with a 32% disagreement rate in mid-2024, up from 17% in late 2022; ➂ In Germany, disagreement rose to 37%, and even Eastern European countries like the Czech Republic and Estonia have seen high levels of dissent.

➀ Michael Domberg takes over as the new head of the Scientific Service department at the Cyber Agency on October 1, 2024; ➁ Domberg brings a strong background in IT security and military service, with a focus on strategic intelligence; ➂ He aims to further professionalize and standardize the processes of the Cyber Agency and promote employee development.

➀ The Fraunhofer ISE study outlines technological paths for climate neutrality in Germany by 2045; ➁ The study uses a cross-sectoral energy system model to quantify cost-optimized development paths for energy, transport, industry, and building sectors; ➂ Key findings include the role of electrification and hydrogen in the transformation, the need for grid expansion, and the importance of flexible energy generation and consumption.

➀ The Wuppertal Institute highlights the potential of smart meters for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in NRW, Germany, emphasizing energy efficiency and cost reduction. ➁ The challenges for SMEs to effectively use smart meters include lack of information and suitable software. ➂ The report proposes solutions such as information services, scalable software, and policy support to enable SMEs to benefit from smart metering.

➀ Intel has delayed the construction of its Magdeburg fab project to 2029-2030; ➁ The delay has sparked a debate about the return of subsidies; ➂ Concerns have been raised in Germany regarding the impact of the delay.

➀ Tessolve, a venture of Hero Electronix and a leader in semiconductor engineering, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Dream Chip Technologies; ➁ The acquisition is valued at approximately ₹400 Crore (EUR 42.5 million); ➂ The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and aims to strengthen Tessolve's presence in the semiconductor market.

➀ An interdisciplinary team in France and Germany has developed hybrid operating rooms using 5G and AI to improve patient outcomes; ➁ The project, 5G-OR, aims to reduce complications and streamline workflows; ➂ The team has implemented AI-assisted monitoring, AI-supported analysis of surgical data, robot-assisted telesurgery, and mobile robotic support in the OR; ➃ The focus is now on transferring these applications into clinical practice and expanding the network for broader user feedback and international collaboration.

➀ The 'Microtec Academy' is established to address the growing demand for skilled workers in microelectronics and microsystem technology. ➁ The project is coordinated by the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH) and is part of the 'skills4chips' initiative, which aims to strengthen Germany's position in microelectronics. ➂ The project focuses on providing tailored training programs and new digital solutions to support flexible learning and attract skilled workers.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Layer and Surface Technology IST and Feng Chia University (FCU) are developing surface and production technology for optical and electrical systems. The cooperation aims to develop cross-industry technological solutions in the field of surface and production technology, with a focus on optical and electrical systems. The official opening of FIP-SPE@FCU took place on October 28, 2024, in Taiwan.

➀ The construction of multiple semiconductor plants in Germany is facing setbacks; ➁ German automotive parts supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG is planning to withdraw from a 3 billion USD joint project; ➂ The joint project involved U.S. companies and was intended to invest in German semiconductor manufacturing.

The Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) has launched the HYPERCORE project, aimed at developing energy-efficient, secure, and high-performance communication infrastructure for the hyper-connected society. The project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), focuses on optimizing metro and core networks, exploring a combination of all three physical dimensions (time, frequency, and space) for increasing transmission capacity. The project involves developing multiband transmission systems, coherent OTDR systems for network control, and expanding digital twin technology for optical communication networks. Field tests are planned for 2026 in Kiel and Berlin.

➀ The CAPTN X-Ferry project aims to explore self-explanatory behavior in autonomous ships; ➁ The interdisciplinary project involves six partners and focuses on autonomous solutions for public transport; ➂ The project started retroactively from September 1, 2024, and will last 36 months.

➀ Germany is experiencing a significant shortage of engineering students, with mechanical engineering being the most affected.➁ The number of first-year students has decreased by 13% over the past 10 years.➂ The decline in enrollment is particularly pronounced in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Rheinland-Pfalz, with a 45% decrease in mechanical engineering first-year students in the past 10 years.

➀ The whitepaper by Learning Systems explores successful AI deployment in businesses that create value for companies, employees, and customers. ➁ It highlights practical examples from various industries on how AI can address both economic and social goals. ➂ The report emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation-friendly environments for AI adoption, while acknowledging challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises in implementing AI technologies.

➀ Dr. Thomas Flisgen has been appointed as a professor at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg; ➁ He will focus on electromagnetic field computation and high-frequency technology; ➂ The appointment strengthens the partnership between BTU and Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH).

➀ IBM opened its first quantum data center outside of the US in Ehningen, Germany, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz in attendance; ➁ The center houses two IBM Quantum Eagle-based systems and an upcoming IBM Heron system, enhancing IBM's global quantum network; ➂ The German government is supporting the development of quantum technologies and the center is expected to foster innovation and business growth.

➀ A new study by Fraunhofer IEE concludes that offshore hydrogen production is more efficient than onshore production. ➁ The study examines the economic impact of hydrogen production on two offshore energy islands connected to 10 GW of offshore wind energy each. ➂ The study shows that building an offshore hydrogen production facility on the islands could save up to 4.3 billion euros annually for the German energy system.