➀ Fraunhofer IKTS has established Europe's first research and development center for transparent ceramics in Hermsdorf, Thuringia, aiming to develop innovative applications with industrial partners. ➁ The center features a complete process chain for producing transparent ceramic components, from powder preparation to shaping and analysis. ➂ Transparent ceramics offer significant advantages over glass and sapphire in terms of robustness, hardness, and cost-effectiveness, with applications in optics, medical technology, and automotive industries.