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➀ Regina Luig developed a method for indirect temperature monitoring of the rotor magnets in electric motors during her bachelor's thesis at Hochschule Coburg.

➁ Instead of temperature, she measures changes in the magnetic field, which weaken as the motor heats up.

➂ This innovative approach helps prevent overheating and reduces the need for rare earth materials, thus contributing to the sustainability of electric motors.

The use of graphene in lithium-ion batteries has shown promising potential to significantly improve battery performance. Although technological advancements have been made, the widespread application of graphene-based battery components remains challenging. The article 'Graphene Roadmap Briefs No. 4' published in the journal 2D-Materials highlights the central trends since 2017 and future prospects for the commercialization of graphene in battery technology.

Graphene, due to its unique electronic, mechanical, and chemical properties, is considered a promising material for the further development of lithium-ion batteries (LIB). The publication 'Graphene Roadmap Briefs (No. 4): innovation prospects for Li-ion batteries' summarizes the key progress and challenges in the development and commercialization of graphene-based lithium-ion batteries, focusing on graphene-based silicon anodes.

Graphene can improve the energy density of batteries, offer advantages in fast-charging capabilities, and enhance the stability and lifespan of batteries through its integration into silicon anodes. However, the stability of silicon anodes currently does not match that of conventional graphite anodes. The cost-effective production methods for graphene-based batteries are still lacking, and the prices of graphene and related materials have remained unexpectedly high in the past.

The Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena (EAH Jena) is strengthening its international ties and actively responding to global challenges. With the DAAD-funded project 'Space, Bioprocess and Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Economy and Development' (SpEEED), the university is intensifying cooperation with partner universities in South America and Southeast Asia. The project, which runs from January 2025 to the end of 2027, focuses on developing innovative solutions for urgent issues such as climate change and increasing resource consumption.

Global cooperation for sustainable solutions: 'The major problems of our time can only be overcome through international dialogue and cooperation. SpEEED opens up new opportunities for our students to gain international experience and develop practical solutions for global issues,' explains Prof. Dr. Alexander Richter, Professor of Electrical Measurement Technology and Optoelectronics and project contact at EAH Jena.

Student benefits: More than 40 percent of EAH Jena students benefit directly from the measures within the SpEEED project. Especially students from the fields of business administration, electrical engineering and information technology, medical technology and biotechnology, and business engineering can apply for funding for international exchange programs.

➀ The CiS e.V. and the CiS Research Institute for Microsensorics are seeking young talents to participate in the Silicon Science Award 2025, which recognizes innovative research in microsystem technology, optoelectronics, and quantum technology.

➁ The award is given every two years for outstanding bachelor's, master's, and doctoral theses.

➂ The competition focuses on topics such as silicon-based sensorics, innovative packaging and interconnection technologies, optoelectronic microsystems, and quantum technologies.

➀ The ISS National Lab is launching an Orbital Edge Accelerator programme to support space startups;

➁ The programme is backed by space and environmental VCs and aims to foster innovation in the space economy;

➂ Six startups will receive up to $500,000 in investment, mentorship, and opportunities for sponsored investigations.

➀ The article discusses the challenges and opportunities for Europe in the global AI competition.

➁ It mentions the large-scale investment in AI infrastructure in the US and the emergence of cost-effective language models from China.

➂ The EU's response with the 'InvestAI' initiative and the 200 billion Euro investment package is highlighted, along with the EU Commission's plan to invest 1.3 billion euros in AI by 2027.

➀ Battery production is crucial for industrial and climate policy, with a growing demand for energy storage systems. Challenges include raw material dependence and supply chain fragility.

➁ Advanced laser technology offers solutions for efficient, precise, and sustainable battery production, addressing issues in material processing, electrode production, and recycling.

➂ Innovations in electrode production, cell assembly, and module/pack production are highlighted, along with the integration of AI for process optimization and predictive maintenance.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Lisa Kiesewetter has taken over the leadership of the Technology Transfer Center for Sustainable and Digital Transformation at the Technische Hochschule Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS), focusing on Laboratory Analytics and Medical Technology.

Prof. Dr. Jean Meyer, President of THWS, expressed his delight at the appointment, emphasizing the center's role in fostering innovation and contributing to the technological advancement of companies in the region.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kiesewetter has a background in Life Science Engineering and has worked on projects related to laboratory analytics and medical technology.

The HTWK Leipzig offers advanced production studios for immersive audio formats, with around 80 students learning to create spatial sound experiences. Since January 2025, the study program has been enhanced with the innovative 'Okeanos Pro' headphones system from Brandenburg Labs. This system simplifies mixing immersive audio productions (3D Audio) and is the first of its kind in Germany. The workshop on April 16th will introduce students to the system and discuss the future of immersive audio.

The LIAG-Institut für Angewandte Geophysik has published its latest research report, reflecting a highly successful year in 2024 with 47 third-party funded projects and a revenue of around three million euros. The report highlights a patent for innovative measurement technology, emphasizing the importance of SIP measurements for determining rock properties and applications such as groundwater exploration and environmental pollution characterization. The research focuses on groundwater systems, geological hazards, and georeserves as energy sources and storage (geothermal and hydrogen). The report also details the Institute's comprehensive geophysical methods and the modernization of the renowned geochronology laboratory. The LIAG is involved in several international projects, demonstrating its expertise and role as a reliable partner in research collaborations.

Phlux Technology, a Sheffield-based infrared sensor specialist, has successfully raised a $11.7 million Series A funding round, led by BGF and supported by existing investors including Octopus Ventures, Northern Gritstone, and Foresight. The funds will be used to expand into optical communications and sensing industries, leveraging Phlux's antimonide-based semiconductor technology. This technology aims to provide faster, more energy-efficient sensor and connectivity systems, with potential data rate improvements of up to 5x over current systems. The company also plans to scale its team, increase production, and launch two new product lines. Phlux's sensors are expected to play a critical role in advanced sensing technologies across various industries.

FMD has launched the Chiplet Application Hub, a central platform for chiplet technology development and application. The hub aims to bridge the gap between research and industry, accelerate the development of German-made chiplets, and reinforce Germany's technological resilience. It complements FMD's role in the Chips for Europe Initiative and builds on the APECS pilot line infrastructure.

The hub is designed to foster collaboration with industry partners, develop new chiplet solutions, and drive innovation in chiplet technologies. It is expected to enhance energy efficiency, performance, and the reusability of high-cost design components, particularly in the automotive and high-performance computing sectors.

➀ Bellezza's 2D graphene fusion process is being used for CMOS chip assembly, replacing copper with graphene.

➁ The process operates at temperatures below 400 degrees Celsius and as low as 200 degrees Celsius.

➂ This innovation aims to extend Moore's Law and eliminate copper circuits due to their limitations in size and electrical resistance.

➀ The first KickStart team at Hochschule Koblenz has achieved a significant milestone by successfully filing a patent for an innovative payment solution called BEZLAD.

➁ Developed by Daniel Funk, Micha Bär, Marcel Klee, in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Udo Gnasa and patent attorney Hans-Peter Müller, BEZLAD enables easy management and billing of private charging processes for electric vehicles.

➂ The university supported the project in various ways, including covering the costs of the patent application and providing access to expertise from the startup office and the StartUpLab.

➀ Mazda and Rohm have signed a deal to develop GaN-based automotive power electronics.

➁ GaN can reduce power conversion losses and contribute to the miniaturisation of components through high-frequency operation.

➂ The collaboration aims to unveil a demonstration model within FY2025 and practical implementation for FY2027.

➀ A research team led by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) has developed an electronic skin capable of sensing and tracking magnetic fields with a single global sensor. This technology could enable new applications in virtual reality and underwater smartphone interaction.

➁ The e-skin is lightweight, transparent, and breathable, imitating the interaction between real skin and the brain. It uses a magnetosensitive functional layer as a global sensor surface, improving energy efficiency and mimicking real skin's functionality.

➂ The technology uses tomography, a method also used in medical MRI or CT scans, to reconstruct the position of signals, making it suitable for applications in robotics and human-machine interaction.

➀ The Fraunhofer CINES excellence cluster provides recommendations for achieving a climate-neutral industry in Germany by 2045;

➁ Emphasis on the role of electricity and hydrogen as central energy carriers and the importance of energy infrastructure development;

➂ Discusses the challenges and opportunities for cost-effective and competitive energy systems, including the development of hydrogen infrastructure and electricity pricing.

➀ The European Space Agency (ESA) has released its ESA Strategy 2040, outlining its approach to the challenges and opportunities of space up to 2040.

➁ The strategy is framed around five goals: protecting the planet, exploring and discovering, strengthening European autonomy, boosting growth and competitiveness, and inspiring Europe.

➂ The strategy aims to accelerate innovation, strengthen industrial capacity, position Europe as a commercial hub in the global space economy, and establish Europe as a space research hub.

➀ At 60, Yin Zhizao, the 'Father of China's Chip Etching Machine', returned to China from Silicon Valley, restarting his career with Chinese chip development.

➁ After years of effort, Yin and his team developed China's first domestically produced etching machine, breaking the foreign monopoly.

➂ Despite facing lawsuits and challenges from former employers, Yin's company, Microelectronics, achieved significant breakthroughs in chip etching technology, propelling China from a follower to a leader in the industry.