Prof. Dr. Bahman Azarhoushang will give a scientific lecture highlighting the opportunities offered by innovative manufacturing technologies.
Furtwangen University and Chamber of Industry and Commerce inform suppliers about tapping into new markets in the aerospace industry
On 18 November, the Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce, together with Furtwangen University (HFU), is hosting a specialist event entitled “Suppliers in Orbit – Opportunities in Aerospace.” Companies will gain exclusive insights and have the opportunity to network with potential partners from industry and research. In addition to exciting specialist presentations, a panel discussion, and an exhibition, the programme also includes scientific contributions from the HFU.
Prof. Dr. Frank Allmendinger, Deputy Academic Director of the Innovation and Research Center (IFC), will provide insights into current research in the field of energy storage technologies, and Prof. Dr. Bahman Azarhoushang, Head of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (KSF), who will highlight technological opportunities as a potential entry point into the future market of space travel. We spoke with both of them in advance.
What makes the aerospace industry so attractive to suppliers from the Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg region at the moment?
Prof. Allmendinger:
The aerospace industry is currently experiencing a technological turning point: sustainability, lightweight construction, and alternative propulsion systems are coming into focus. Many medium-sized companies in our region already have excellent expertise in precision manufacturing, sensor technology, materials engineering, and quality assurance—precisely the areas where aviation places high demands.
How can small and medium-sized enterprises benefit from cooperation with the aerospace industry?
Prof. Azarhoushang:
Space travel is a driver of innovation—technologies developed or applied there often find their way into other industries. Through cooperation in this field, small and medium-sized enterprises can expand their technological expertise, tap into new markets, and strengthen their long-term competitiveness.
What role do research and innovation play in entering this market?
Prof. Azarhoushang:
Research and innovation are crucial factors in meeting the high demands of the space industry. New materials, precision manufacturing, and digital processes form the basis for achieving the necessary quality, reliability, and efficiency.
What support is available for companies that want to get involved in aerospace, and what expertise does the university bring to this future-oriented field?
Prof. Azarhoushang:
In addition to funding programmes and networks, research collaborations with universities in particular offer a good entry point. At HFU and the KSF Institute, we support companies with application-oriented research, technology transfer, and training programs to facilitate access to this demanding market.
Prof. Allmendinger:
We contribute many years of experience in the fields of battery, hydrogen, and hybrid storage systems, power electronics, system simulation, and safety analytics. We develop holistic solutions in an interdisciplinary manner, from the energy source to system integration testing. Furtwangen University sees itself as a transfer partner that links applied research directly to the needs of regional companies.
What will be the content of your presentations?
Prof. Azarhoushang:
I will show how innovative manufacturing technologies – in particular precision machining and hybrid processes − enable entry into demanding markets such as aerospace. The focus will be on concrete examples from research and industrial partnerships.
Prof. Allmendinger:
I will show how energy storage technologies are becoming the key to climate-neutral aviation – from sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrogen fuel cells to battery-electric systems. A particular focus will be on comparing the energy density, emissions, and technological maturity of these approaches, as well as their impact on regional supply chains.
Are there currently any research projects at HFU that are specifically related to space travel? Are students also involved in these projects?
Prof. Azarhoushang:
Yes, we are currently working on projects involving precision manufacturing, efficient machining, and surface optimisation for applications in the field of lightweight construction and the machining of difficult-to-machine materials. These are areas that are also relevant to space travel. Students are actively involved in these projects and learn to combine research and practice.
The event “Suppliers in Orbit – Opportunities in Aerospace” will take place on 18 November at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry starting at 5.00pm. Participation is free of charge.
For more information and to register: https://hfu.li/j2w4
