Laboratory tour and presentation of the WaSS: (from left to right) guests from regional industry and research, Tobias Hauser (AuToS project), Prof. Frank Allmendinger and Prof. Hadi Mozaffari-Jovein
Exciting insights at Furtwangen University's new event format
“Internal link opens in the same window:IFC Innovation Insights #1” is a new series of events recently launched by the Innovation and Research Center (IFC) at Furtwangen University's Tuttlingen campus. The aim of the format is to make pioneering technologies visible, promote interdisciplinary exchange and provide fresh impetus for the economic development of the region. The topic of the first event was “Transformation in manufacturing and energy technology”.
Prof. Bahman Azarhoushang, Director of the KSF – Institute for advanced manufacturing, provided insights into innovative manufacturing technologies. Another highlight of the event was the contribution to the “Automotive Transformation Strategy for the Southwest of Baden-Württemberg” project (External link opens in a new window:AuToS SW-BW), in which a new hydrogen training system (WaSS) was presented.
The hydrogen training system: compact, practical, versatile
Martin Schmidt of the Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce as consortium leader gave a brief introduction to the AuToS SW-BW network, its objectives, structure and significance for regional technology transfer. Prof. Dr. Frank Allmendinger then gave an insight into the newly acquired system from ostermeier H2ydrogen Solutions GmbH under the title “Hydrogen training system: possible applications for regional industry”. The “AuToS-Insight” was supplemented by live operation of the system in the hydrogen laboratory of the Energy Storage Systems (ESS) working group. This was explained by project member Tobias Hauser.
The complex system shows how hydrogen is converted into electricity and conveys practical knowledge about electrochemical processes. It is therefore equally suitable for basic teaching and research-related further education. “Our aim is to make future technologies tangible, to lay the necessary theoretical foundations and to transfer these into marketable and future-proof solutions together with industry,” emphasised Prof. Allmendinger.
Parallel to the main presentation, a joint stand provided information about the HFU projects AuToS and Connected Health in Medical Mountains (CoHMed) on current research and funding projects. The stand was supervised by Victoria-Katharina Martinelli, member of the academic staff in both projects. “Our aim is to make research at HFU visible and to transfer it into effective collaborations in a targeted manner − there is enormous potential at the interface between technology, application and the public,” says Martinelli.
Prof. Hadi Mozaffari-Jovein presented the “Breast Tissue Markers” impulse project and provided insights into the latest developments in materials science. He explained that Furtwangen University is working on innovative marker systems, “Our aim is to use new materials and production technologies to create more powerful markers that can be localised even more precisely using sonography and radiology.”
Positive response and prospects for SMEs
The event met with a consistently positive response from representatives from industry, research, educational institutions and chambers. The “AuToS-Insight” not only provided information about future technology, but also specifically encouraged the diversification of existing expertise − for example by transferring know-how from the automotive supply industry to new fields of application such as drone, aerospace technology or self-sufficient energy solutions.
The modular integration into teaching, research and further training makes it possible to systematically develop new innovation paths and strategically support companies in their technological transformation. With this year's “IFC Innovation Insights”, the IFC and its partner projects made an active contribution to the future viability of the Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg region − particularly with regard to new markets beyond traditional value chains.
External link opens in a new window:AuToS-Insight presentation
