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➀ Esslingen University introduces the dual-degree MechatronikBUSINESS program, combining Mechatronics and Industrial Engineering, enabling students to earn two bachelor’s degrees in nine semesters;

➁ New specializations include Medical Technology, Energy/Hydrogen Systems, and AI in mechatronic applications, aligning with industry trends;

➂ Flexible study models (part-time, corporate partnerships, and work-study combinations) and enrollment options are available, with an open day scheduled for May 2025.

➀ The Climate bOWL project developed an intelligent carbon footprint tracking system to assist industries in identifying and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across production chains;

➁ The €3.16 million initiative involved universities and companies like NTT Data and Miele, focusing on automated data analysis to enhance transparency and energy efficiency;

➂ The system provides actionable insights for emission reduction, prioritizing real mitigation over compensation to achieve climate neutrality.

➀ NY CREATES and Fraunhofer IPMS signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to advance research on 300mm wafer-based data storage technologies, focusing on ferroelectric memory devices;

➁ The collaboration aims to combine expertise in materials evaluation and process development for energy-efficient, CMOS-compatible memory solutions applicable to neuromorphic computing;

➂ This builds on a prior 2023 Memorandum of Understanding, reinforcing transatlantic cooperation to drive semiconductor innovation and economic growth.

➀ NY CREATES and Fraunhofer IPMS formalized a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to co-develop advanced 300mm wafer-scale memory devices, focusing on ferroelectric memory technology using hafnium oxide (HfO₂);

➀ The collaboration aims to enhance energy-efficient, scalable memory solutions for neuromorphic computing applications, leveraging Fraunhofer IPMS's expertise in HfO₂-based memory and NY CREATES' Albany NanoTech Complex facilities;

➂ The partnership builds on prior agreements and aligns with U.S. initiatives like the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator to strengthen semiconductor R&D leadership and economic growth.

➀ Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg (THA) launches a Bachelor's program in Rescue Engineering for the 2025/2026 winter semester, focusing on practical training in fire protection, disaster control, and civil safety technologies.

➁ The interdisciplinary program, developed with regional fire departments and aid organizations, equips graduates for roles in emergency services, safety technology development, and industrial security, emphasizing technical expertise and crisis management skills.

➂ Admission qualifications include vocational experience, with flexible pathways for applicants without traditional academic credentials, and applications open for full-time or part-time study starting July 15, 2025.

➀ The Technical University of Augsburg (THA) will launch a Bachelor’s program in Rescue Engineering (B. Eng.) starting in Winter 2025/26, focusing on interdisciplinary training in safety technologies and civil protection;

➁ Developed in collaboration with regional emergency services like the Augsburg Fire Department, the program emphasizes practical skills in risk assessment, crisis management, and team coordination, blending technical expertise with psychological and communication training;

➂ Open to applicants with vocational experience or traditional academic qualifications, the program offers full-time and part-time options, preparing graduates for roles in emergency response, safety technology development, and disaster prevention.

➀ The 8th UKP Workshop in Aachen focused on ultrashort pulse laser technology advancements, addressing beam sources, system innovations, and scaling strategies to enhance precision and productivity in industrial applications;

➀ Key developments included high-power UV/DUV lasers, MEMS/LCoS modulators for beam shaping, GHz burst systems, and multi-scanner setups to optimize throughput and process control;

➂ Applications spanned medical device manufacturing (e.g., adhesive-free glass welding), semiconductor chip separation, and consumer electronics, with live demos showcasing laser-induced etching and neural network-guided beam shaping.

➀ The Research Council Industry 4.0 released a position paper outlining priorities for research funding to strengthen Germany's industrial competitiveness through sustainable value creation, ecosystems, advanced engineering methods, workforce collaboration, and practical implementation;

➁ It emphasizes the need for innovative business models, holistic digital transformation, and support for SMEs to ensure technological sovereignty and counter emerging digital competitors;

➂ The paper originated from discussions at a BMBF research retreat and calls for targeted funding to align research with economic, technological, and labor-oriented goals.

➀ A study by Constructor University found no evidence that 5G frequencies harm human skin cells under conditions exceeding real-world exposure;

➁ Experiments exposed fibroblasts and keratinocytes to electromagnetic fields up to tenfold legal limits, revealing no significant differences in gene expression or DNA methylation;

➂ The findings support 5G safety and emphasize scientific rigor in addressing public concerns about electromagnetic radiation.

➀ A study by Constructor University found no evidence of cellular damage from 5G frequencies, even at exposure levels ten times higher than legal limits;

➀ Experiments on human skin cells (fibroblasts and keratinocytes) showed no significant changes in gene expression or DNA methylation;

➂ Researchers emphasized rigorous methodology and addressed public concerns, reinforcing 5G's safety under tested conditions.

➀ ETH Zurich researchers identified a new class of vulnerabilities (BPRC) in Intel processors, exploiting speculative execution to breach privilege barriers between CPU users and access cached/RAM data;

➁ The flaw affects all Intel processors since 2018, particularly threatening cloud environments where hardware resources are shared, enabling attackers to read up to 5,000 bytes per second of others' memory;

➂ Intel has implemented mitigations via microcode updates, but the discovery highlights fundamental architectural risks in speculative technologies requiring ongoing security patches.

➀ The 8th UKP Workshop in Aachen gathered 120 experts to discuss advancements in ultrafast laser technology, focusing on scaling processes for higher productivity and precision in material processing;

➁ Innovations included high-power UV/DUV lasers, beam shaping with LCoS/MEMS modulators, and multi-scanner systems to manage large data volumes, alongside applications in semiconductor manufacturing and medical technology;

➂ Key demonstrations highlighted selective laser-induced etching (SLE) and inline process control, emphasizing improved accuracy (±1 µm) and the transition of ultrafast lasers from research to industrial adoption.

➀ The Hochschule Darmstadt offers a program allowing technicians and professionals with vocational qualifications to pursue a master's degree in Electrical Engineering (M.Sc.) or Reliability Engineering (M.Eng.) without a prior bachelor's degree, via an entrance exam and preparatory course;

➁ An online information session on May 16, 2025, will detail the program structure, including a six-semester curriculum and an optional preparatory course leading to a "Certificate of Basic Studies";

➂ The program is conducted in collaboration with the zfh (Center for Distance Learning) and the Technical University of Aschaffenburg, part of a broader network offering over 100 accredited distance learning programs across Germany.

➀ The acatech Impuls report advocates for open-source chip design tools to reduce dependencies on proprietary systems dominated by U.S. firms, enhance Europe's digital sovereignty, and accelerate semiconductor innovation;

➀ Open-source tools are highlighted as critical for specialized applications (e.g., quantum computing) and fostering SME/startup participation, while lowering barriers for academic research and talent development;

➂ The report calls for a unified European semiconductor strategy, including platforms to integrate open-source tools into industrial workflows and adapt policies to evolving geopolitical challenges.

➀ TU Chemnitz introduces Germany's first master's program in hydrogen technologies in Winter 2025/2026, focusing on fuel cell/electrolyzer engineering and system integration to address industry talent demands;

➀ The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiments using open-source research platforms and covers sustainable energy generation, storage, and innovation;

➀ Graduates gain access to career opportunities via the HZwo innovation cluster, linking them to 150+ global companies and research institutions, with Chemnitz serving as a national hydrogen research hub.

➀ The Fraunhofer IDMT in Oldenburg leads the research consortium 'Sleep-Neuro-Path' to study neurophysiological sleep characteristics in ME/CFS patients using mobile EEG systems;

➁ The project aims to identify sleep-related biomarkers linked to cognitive impairments and fatigue, leveraging at-home sleep monitoring and integrating data with genetic and vascular studies;

➂ Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the initiative will present findings at a public symposium on May 13, 2025, to advance personalized therapies.

➀ Hochschule Kaiserslautern offers part-time Master's programs in Electrical Engineering and Process Engineering, designed for professionals seeking career advancement in fields like automation, Industry 4.0, and energy sectors;

➁ An online information session on May 13, 2025, will provide details about the programs, with professors and coordinators available for Q&A;

➂ The flexible study format combines self-paced learning, online classes, and in-person sessions, with applications open until August 15, 2025, for the winter semester.

➀ The second international conference on elastocalorics, hosted by Saarland University professors Stefan Seelecke and Paul Motzki, aims to accelerate the development of this energy-efficient, eco-friendly heating/cooling technology using shape-memory alloys like nickel-titanium;

➁ Elastocalorics eliminates harmful refrigerants and fossil fuels, achieving 3-5x higher efficiency than current systems, with applications in industrial cooling, household appliances, and electric vehicle battery temperature management;

➂ The technology integrates AI for real-time monitoring of material behavior and has been recognized by the EU and World Economic Forum as a breakthrough climate solution.

➀ Australia's Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC) secures $58M AUD in government funding to advance additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, with a total R&D budget of $271M AUD;

➁ Fraunhofer IAPT, the sole Fraunhofer Institute partner in AMCRC, contributes expertise across the AM process chain to drive industrial adoption, sustainability, and certification;

➂ The initiative targets sectors like defense, aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy, aiming to position Australia as a global leader in sustainable and competitive manufacturing.

➀ TH Köln developed automation software with a standardized Module Type Package (MTP) interface to simplify the integration of modular steam generators into process control systems, enabling manufacturer-independent interoperability;

➁ The software incorporates predictive maintenance features using sensor data and machine learning algorithms to monitor insulation wear and virtual water level sensing, reducing reliance on expensive hardware;

➂ Further optimizations include automated water drainage, pressure stabilization during steam extraction, and energy-efficient operation, enhancing system longevity and operational efficiency.

➀ Australia's Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC) secures 58 million AUD in government funding to advance additive manufacturing (AM) R&D, with a total budget of 271 million AUD, aiming to position AM as a key future technology for Australian industry;

➁ The Fraunhofer IAPT, as the sole Fraunhofer institute in the AMCRC, will contribute expertise across the entire AM value chain, collaborating with Australian universities, government bodies, and industry partners to drive sustainable and globally competitive manufacturing;

➂ The initiative focuses on certifying AM applications in aerospace, defense, renewable energy, and healthcare, while reducing carbon emissions, supply chain costs, and enhancing industrial productivity through advanced 3D printing technologies.

➀ Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf developed innovative flotation and liquid-liquid extraction methods to recycle critical metals (e.g., platinum, iridium, rare earths) from electrolyzers, achieving up to 90% recovery rates;

➁ The recycled materials are essential for sustainable hydrogen production, supporting Germany’s national hydrogen strategy targeting 95–135 TWh of hydrogen demand by 2030;

➂ The project, part of the BMBF-funded H2Giga initiative, aims to enhance the economic and environmental viability of hydrogen electrolysis through scalable recycling processes and lifecycle assessments.

➀ Fraunhofer researchers launched the IndiNaPoly project to develop a nanotechnological polymer platform for future semiconductor generations, focusing on electron beam lithography resists to enhance manufacturing scalability and performance;

➁ The project aims to improve resist sensitivity and resolution, addressing challenges in AI, quantum computing, 5G, and IoT, while reducing energy consumption and CO2 footprint;

➂ Collaboration between Fraunhofer LBF (material development) and ENAS (process integration) will create an industry-ready technology platform for advanced semiconductor applications.

➀ The Universität der Bundeswehr München developed RESAT, an interactive tool for analyzing and optimizing renewable energy systems to achieve cost-effective 100% energy autonomy;

➁ RESAT enables users to visualize configurations, compare technologies (e.g., photovoltaics vs. wind power), and assess impacts of storage systems and cost changes;

➂ The tool serves citizens, municipalities, businesses, and educators, with plans to expand to heat and other consumption areas in the future.

➀ A consortium of 12 European partners, coordinated by imec, launches the EU Chips Design Platform under the EU Chips Act to support fabless semiconductor startups and SMEs with cloud-based design resources, training, and funding;

➁ The platform offers access to EDA tools, IP libraries, fabrication pilot lines, and mentorship programs, aiming to reduce costs and accelerate time-to-market for chip innovations;

➂ Integrated with Europe’s broader semiconductor strategy, the initiative complements national competence centers and pilot lines like APECS and WBG, strengthening the continent’s industrial competitiveness through 2028.

➀ Fraunhofer IIS developed a sensor-based sorting system using X-ray and AI to detect and remove hazardous lithium-ion batteries from waste streams, addressing the root cause of 80% of fires in German recycling plants;

➁ The system employs high-speed X-ray imaging and AI algorithms adapted from autonomous driving to identify concealed batteries, followed by compressed air nozzles to isolate them;

➂ A prototype is undergoing testing and will be deployed at waste company LOBBE in June 2025, supported by German federal funding to advance AI-driven circular economy solutions.

➀ Researchers at Fraunhofer IIS developed a sensor-based sorting system using X-ray and AI to detect and remove lithium-ion batteries from waste streams, reducing fire risks in recycling plants;

➁ The system combines high-speed conveyor belts, real-time X-ray imaging, and AI adapted from autonomous driving technology to identify batteries, followed by air nozzles for precise separation;

➂ Funded by the German government, the project is part of a broader initiative to advance AI applications in resource-efficient circular economies for plastic packaging.

➀ Fraunhofer IAF developed a monolithic bidirectional 1200 V GaN switch with integrated free-wheeling diodes using GaN-on-insulator technology, enhancing efficiency in EV chargers and renewable energy systems;

➁ The institute also demonstrated a single-gate GaN HEMT as a bidirectional switch for low-voltage 3-level converters, simplifying control in multi-level topologies;

➂ These innovations, along with advancements in GaN power electronics across 48 V to 1200 V classes, will be showcased at PCIM Europe 2025, highlighting Europe's progress in energy transition technologies.

➀ Fraunhofer IAF developed a monolithic bidirectional 1200V GaN switch using GaN-on-Insulator technology, integrating two freewheeling diodes to enhance efficiency in EV chargers, renewable energy systems, and automotive powertrains;

➁ The team also demonstrated a single-gate GaN HEMT as a bidirectional switch for low-voltage multi-level converters, simplifying transistor control compared to dual-gate solutions;

➂ These innovations, presented at PCIM Europe 2025, highlight advancements in GaN power electronics across 48V to 1200V applications, including plans for 1700V-class devices and modular integration.

➀ Fraunhofer IDMT and partners develop a contactless acoustic cleaning method using structure-borne sound to clean PV modules without water or mechanical abrasion, addressing up to 20% yield loss caused by soiling;

➁ The technology targets a rapidly growing market, projected to reach $1.85 billion by 2033, particularly in regions with high dust and water scarcity;

➂ Funded by the German government, the project includes simulation models and algorithms to optimize cleaning efficiency, with a live demonstration at the Intersolar trade fair.