Researchers at Saarland University in Germany are developing a novel elastocaloric cooling and heating technology that uses shape memory nickel-titanium alloy. This technology is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional methods. The research team is working on prototypes for use in vehicles, with the goal of commercialization within five years.

The technology is recognized by the EU Commission as a promising alternative to conventional heating and cooling systems, and has received significant funding. The team is collaborating with industry partners to develop practical solutions for cooling electric vehicles and residential buildings.

The prototypes being developed are based on the unique shape memory properties of nickel-titanium, which can absorb and dissipate heat during phase changes. The technology has the potential to address global energy challenges and reduce carbon emissions.

➀ ATLANT 3D announced a $15M Series A+ funding round led by West Hill Capital;

➁ The company's atomic-scale manufacturing technology enables precise development of advanced materials and devices for optics, photonics, microelectronics, quantum computing, sensors, and space applications;

➂ ATLANT 3D has successfully launched NANOFABRICATORTM LITE and has established partnerships with over 50 industrial and research organizations.

➀ The European Commission plans to increase defence spending as part of its ReArm Europe plan, aiming to create €650 billion in additional spending capability over four years;

➁ An increase from 2% to 3.5% of GDP in defence spending could cost around €300 billion annually, but could also stimulate economic growth;

➂ Ilsetzki’s analysis suggests this increase could lead to 0.9 to 1.5% GDP growth, which is welcomed considering the bloc’s 0.9% GDP growth in 2024.

The ultrafast dynamics and interactions of electrons in solids have been a challenge to observe directly. Researchers from the University of Oldenburg and Politecnico di Milano have developed a new spectroscopic method that uses ultra-short laser pulses to analyze the movement of electrons in materials. This method, known as two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy (2DES), allows for the study of quantum-physical processes with high temporal resolution. The team has found a way to simplify the experimental implementation of this procedure, making it more accessible for wider use.

The research involves using a sequence of three ultrashort laser pulses to excite electrons in a material, changing its optical properties, and then using a third pulse to provide information about the excited system. By varying the time intervals between these pulses, different stages of the process can be observed. The team's new approach, which involves adding an optical component to an interferometer, has significantly improved the precision of the laser pulses.

This breakthrough could lead to new insights into various quantum-physical processes, such as chemical reactions and energy transfer in solar cells.

➀ Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have demonstrated the production of climate-friendly fuels like kerosene using Power-to-Liquid (P2L) methods from CO₂, water, and green electricity.

➁ In the Kopernikus P2X project, an innovative and highly efficient co-electrolysis process has been coupled with fuel synthesis for the first time at an industrial scale of 220 kilowatts.

➂ The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is funding this project.

Fraunhofer researchers, in collaboration with partners, have optimized data transmission in fiber optic networks using smart techniques. Optical switches with liquid crystal mirrors reduce data packets, allowing more data to pass through the network. Additionally, splitting signals across various fiber strands creates more flexibility.

The project WESORAM has developed a technology that allows signals from eight input channels to be sent to 16 output channels, increasing network capacity and flexibility. The research also includes the development of signal amplifiers for multi-core fibers, enhancing data transmission capabilities.

Both projects are supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the VDI (Association of German Engineers).

The University of Bayreuth is involved in the project 'Sodium-Ion Battery: Germany Research – SIB:DE RESEARCH' aimed at the rapid industrial implementation of sodium-ion batteries. Twenty-one national institutions from science and industry are pooling their expertise to quickly transfer research results into practical application. The research project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) with approximately 14 million euros.

Lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used energy storage devices currently. However, resource dependence and scarcity are significant challenges for this technology. Therefore, alternatives for mobile and stationary energy storage are urgently needed. Sodium-ion batteries (NIB, SIB) are considered a promising approach due to their abundance, affordability, and safety. Thus, sodium-ion batteries could play a key role in a stable and sustainable European energy supply.

The SIB:DE RESEARCH project involves 21 German institutions that are examining the suitability of SIB for the energy and mobility transition and aim to quickly industrialize its use. The project focuses on identifying SIB active materials that can be produced on a scalable basis and offer competitive cell performance. Prof. Dr. Matteo Bianchini from the University of Bayreuth's Chair of Inorganic Active Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage is working on developing new active materials for cathodes and anodes, which are crucial for the performance of SIB.

➀ The VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has been awarded €29 million for chip packaging development under the EU APECS pilot line project.

➁ VTT will focus on radio frequency technologies for 6G networks and the development of optical microsystems and chip packaging methods.

➂ VTT is involved in FAMES and NanoIC pilot line projects and will operate in Kvanttinova, a microelectronics and quantum technology RDI Hub.

The HAWK University is introducing a new Bachelor's degree program in Engineering Sciences, starting in the winter semester of 2025/26. The program is designed to allow students to explore various fields of engineering and choose a specialization after the first two semesters. It emphasizes practical education and collaboration with local industry to prepare students for future challenges in engineering.

Students can choose from seven specializations including Sustainable Production Technology, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Material Innovation, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, and Laser and Plasma Technology.

Graduates of the program will be equipped with skills for careers in research and development, project management, consulting, entrepreneurship, and teaching.

The Fraunhofer IZM, in collaboration with international partners, is working on a new injection molding process as part of the EU Horizon project MULTIMOLD. This process aims to produce environmentally friendly electronics products with maximum design freedom. The focus is on sustainability, including comprehensive life cycle assessments and optimizing resource use in the production process.

The project aims to improve the recyclability of products and reduce their ecological footprint, particularly by developing new methods for separating and reusing the individual layers of the components. The process is currently under development and is being continuously optimized for sustainable production without compromising the performance of electronic products.

➀ The Fraunhofer Society's Saxony microelectronics institutes are expanding their technological capabilities in the field of chiplet innovation and significantly contributing to the APECS Pilot Line under the European Chips Act. Saxony is investing 38 million euros in support.

➁ The total funding amounts to 730 million euros, provided by Chips Joint Undertaking, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), and other national funding. APECS is coordinated by the Fraunhofer Society and implemented by the Research Factory Microelectronics Germany (FMD).

➂ The APECS Pilot Line is a key component of the EU Chips Act to promote chiplet innovations and increase research and manufacturing capacities for semiconductors in Europe.

➀ The U.S. Department of Commerce and Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) are negotiating a plan to provide $285 million in subsidies to SRC under the CHIPS and Science Act to support the establishment and operation of the U.S. Manufacturing Institute located in Durham, North Carolina.

➁ The investment total of SRC is $1 billion, which will support the establishment of the first U.S. chip manufacturing research institute, SMART USA (Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA), focusing on the development, verification, and use of digital twins to improve U.S. domestic semiconductor design, manufacturing, advanced packaging, assembly, and testing processes.

➂ SMART USA will join an existing network of 17 research institutes to enhance U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and promote strong research and development infrastructure.