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 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.

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.

➀ The Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology (IDMT) has initiated the research project QualiBolS to develop a contactless acoustic monitoring system based on AI for ensuring the quality of bolted焊接 connections in construction projects. ➁ The project aims to replace traditional, resource-intensive quality control methods with real-time monitoring. ➂ The system uses AI algorithms to analyze welding sounds in real-time, classifying them as 'in order' or 'not in order' and identifying irregularities. This method promises significant time and cost savings, as well as increased safety in construction.

➀ The Cyberagentur has signed contracts with three international tech companies for the development of mobile quantum computers; ➁ The project, with an investment of over 35 million euros, aims to enable mobile use in security, defense, and civilian applications; ➂ The research will focus on miniaturizing quantum computers while maintaining high performance for mobile use in security and defense scenarios.

➀ The Cyberagentur has signed contracts with three international technology companies for the development of mobile quantum computers. The project marks a milestone in quantum research and paves the way for new applications of quantum computers. The goal is to enable mobile use in security and defense scenarios as well as in civil applications. ➁ The research project aims to advance the miniaturization of quantum computers while maintaining high performance and necessary peripherals. The construction and functional demonstration of a reproducible and programmable mobile quantum computer are recorded as project results. ➂ The project is expected to bring Germany to the forefront of mobile quantum computing technology, securing its leading position in quantum technology research and strengthening the country's digital sovereignty.

➀ Saxony, Germany, a leading European semiconductor hub, is deepening its ties with Taiwan, as TSMC expands its European footprint. ➁ The strategic partnership aims to position Saxony as a global semiconductor powerhouse, centered in Dresden's 'Silicon Saxony'. ➃ The collaboration extends to electric vehicles (EVs) and robotics.

➀ Germany is investing heavily in its chipmaking industry with a new €10 billion factory in Silicon Saxony, expected to employ 2,000 people by 2027. ➁ The region of Silicon Saxony, home to 3,600 companies in microelectronics, is poised to become the most important industry in Saxony by 2030. ➂ Challenges include attracting skilled workers and addressing infrastructure needs, as well as competing with larger investments in the US.