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.
➀ Researchers at the Fritz-Haber Institute have developed the Automatic Process Explorer (APE), an approach that enhances our understanding of atomic and molecular processes.
➁ APE reveals unexpected complexities in the oxidation of palladium (Pd) surfaces, providing new insights into catalyst behavior.
➂ By using machine-learned interatomic potentials (MLIPs), APE predicts atomic interactions and improves the accuracy of simulations.
➀ The fourth Applied Sensorics Technology Day (TAS) at Coburg University focused on sensorics as a key technology for the future.
➁ The event featured discussions on the latest developments and innovative applications in sensorics.
➂ Presentations included practical applications in areas like environmental and infrastructure monitoring, industrial sensorics, and healthcare technology.
The Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena is initiating the project 'Hands on! The MINT-Makerspace', supported by the Federal Ministry of Research.
MINT stands for Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, and Technology. Johannes Kretzschmar, the leader of the Jenaer Lichtwerkstatt, aims to pass on his passion for MINT to young women, who are still a minority in most MINT disciplines. The project, to be implemented over three years, aims to attract 1,000 young women as participants in workshops and exciting MINT projects at the interface of research.
The project is part of the initiative 'Mission MINT: Women Shape the Future', supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The goal is to introduce young people to role models in the MINT field and foster their interest in MINT studies.
➀ Fraunhofer researchers have developed sensor systems and measurement devices to detect leaks in hydrogen pipelines or tanks.
➁ These systems enable continuous monitoring of hydrogen transport or chemical industry facilities.
➂ Multiple sensor technologies are used to ensure safety in various future hydrogen industry scenarios.
➀ The Technical University of Darmstadt has introduced a state-of-the-art humanoid robot, TALOS, to its research portfolio, marking the launch of the new Laboratory for Humanoid Robotics.
➁ TALOS, from Pal Robotics, is a versatile robot capable of handling heavy objects, climbing stairs, and interacting with humans and mechanical colleagues.
➂ The robot is equipped with advanced sensors and computing power, including an AI accelerator, to perform complex tasks and movements.
➀ Silicon carbide (SiC) offers significant technical advantages for power electronics, but its cost remains a barrier to market penetration. The Fraunhofer Institutes are developing key technologies to reduce material losses and device thickness while increasing the thermomechanical stability of SiC chips.
➁ The ThinSiCPower project aims to produce cost-effective SiC substrates and thinner SiC chips using more resource-efficient processing technologies, such as laser separation of SiC crystals and bonding onto a carrier substrate.
➂ The project partners are Fraunhofer ISE, ENAS, IWM, and IISB, with the goal of reducing SiC device costs by 25% and SiC design costs by 25% through increased load cycle stability.
The article discusses the development of cost-effective silicon carbide (SiC) power electronics through research projects like ThinSiCPower. It highlights the advantages of SiC over traditional silicon, emphasizing the need for reducing costs and improving thermal-mechanical stability. The project focuses on creating thin SiC chips and cost-effective substrates without the need for sawing and grinding, aiming to accelerate the market penetration of efficient SiC power electronics.
➀ The EU project led by Empa significantly improved batteries for electric vehicles over four years;
➁ The goal was to scale new materials and technologies to market as quickly as possible;
➂ The project developed a new battery module with higher energy density, better environmental footprint, and improved safety features.
➀ Epishine, a Swedish specialist in printed organic solar cells, is collaborating with tesa, an adhesive tape manufacturer, to develop printed electronics production processes.
➁ The aim is to integrate printed solar cells, flexible sensors, or interactive displays on adhesive substrates.
➂ Jona Bergqvist, CTO of Epishine, highlights the challenges in selecting encapsulation adhesives for organic and printed electronics.
➀ The Baelz Foundation has for the 22nd time awarded outstanding Bachelor's and Master's theses;
➁ Johannes Spangler, a graduate of HBC, received the second prize in the Master's category;
➂ Spangler's thesis focused on the analysis and evaluation of refrigeration systems using new software tools.
➀ Developers for medical-device OEMs must balance innovation and safety;
➁ They face numerous challenges in ensuring the safety of medical-device software;
➂ The article discusses how these challenges can be overcome.
The formal inauguration of Prof. Dr. Martin Braun as the director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE in Kassel was held recently. The event was accompanied by a symposium on 'Sustainable and Smart Energy Systems,' which addressed the central challenges and future perspectives of the energy transition. The focus was on the current key themes of the Institute: resilience, digitalization, and sector coupling.
In his speech, Timon Gremmels, the Minister for Science, Research, Art, and Culture of Hesse, welcomed Prof. Braun to his new position and emphasized the importance of the work of Fraunhofer IEE in the transition to renewable energies. Prof. Constantin Häfner, the Board Member for Research and Transfer at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, also praised Prof. Braun's contributions to the practical application of research results in the economy.
Prof. Martin Braun, who has significantly shaped the development of Fraunhofer IEE for many years, views the leadership of the Institute as a central responsibility. The Institute aims to develop innovative solutions for the design and automation of energy plants and the entire energy system, with a particular emphasis on close collaboration with partners from science and industry.
➀ The INM – Leibniz-Institut für Neue Materialien presents functional inks and coatings at the LOPEC in Munich, tailored for specific applications.
➁ The inks are designed for flexibility, heat sensitivity, and conductivity, suitable for various applications including wearable devices and smart buildings.
➂ The INM showcases its innovations at stand B0.610, including functional surfaces, transparent heating structures, and satellite communication components.
➀ President Xi Jinping held a symposium with entrepreneurs from various fields across the country to discuss the development of private enterprises under the new situation;
➁ Ren Zhengfei, CEO of Huawei, expressed his confidence in China's rise and discussed Huawei's 'backup plan 2.0';
➂ Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi, spoke about Xiaomi's recovery and commitment to high-end development and AI technology application;
➃ Wang Chuanfu, Chairman of BYD, highlighted the achievements of China's new energy vehicle industry and the importance of innovation;
➄ Liu Yonghao, Chairman of New Hope Group, discussed the vitality of traditional industries and the importance of confidence;
➅ Yu Renrong, Chairman of Weilai Semiconductor, analyzed the increasing domestication rate in supply chain and the strong driving force of upstream and downstream development;
➆ Wang Xingxing, CEO of UST, emphasized the importance of innovation and the contribution of young people to national innovation.
➀ The increasing share of electric vehicles (EVs) necessitates a growing need for skilled professionals in the field.
➁ Vocational school teachers from across Bavaria are being trained at the Hochschule Coburg to keep up with the latest technology in EVs.
➂ The training focuses on various aspects such as motor types, cooling systems, and energy management, with hands-on experience and guest lectures from industry experts.
➀ Since January2025, SiC industry has seen continuous funding, with 2 more companies receiving a new round of funding totaling over 500 million yuan.
➁ As of February 21, 12 SiC companies have completed funding this year.
➂ Pinnacle Semiconductor has completed nearly 500 million yuan in A2 and A3 rounds of funding, focusing on R&D, supply chain, and global market layout.
➃ Sun Yang Electronics has completed B round of funding, aiming to enhance R&D efforts and product competitiveness.
➄ In 2025, a total of 12 SiC companies have received funding, with a total amount of nearly 3 billion yuan.
➀ The Fraunhofer FEP is developing optically effective surface structures for perovskite solar cells within the EU PERSEUS project to enhance cell efficiency and reduce reflection losses.
➁ The Design-PV project focuses on creating decorative surfaces for integrated photovoltaic modules, combining aesthetically pleasing solutions with PV-active wall areas.
➂ The RzR-NIL technology allows for the production of large-area, continuous film surfaces with various applications, such as Lab-on-Chip structures, biofouling reduction, and window anti-reflective coatings.
➀ Apple has introduced its first in-house developed 5G modem, the C1, six years after acquiring Intel's 5G modem business unit.
➁ The C1 is designed for the iPhone 16e, a mainstream smartphone, and promises high power efficiency and fast connectivity.
➂ Apple has not disclosed how the C1 achieves its power efficiency, but it is likely due to custom cores and TSMC's 4nm-class process technology.
➀ Engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) device that challenges fundamental thermal physics by converting thermal radiation into electricity more efficiently than ever before, bypassing Planck’s law.
➁ The device, led by Assistant Professor Longji Cui, doubles the power output compared to conventional designs and operates at 1,000°C, producing power comparable to existing designs at 1,400°C.
➂ The innovation involves replacing the vacuum gap between the heat source and solar cell with an infrared-transparent glass spacer, enhancing power density and opening up commercial potential for clean electricity generation in heavy industries.
