Newsletter of the Fraunhofer IST

The industrial transformation toward climate-friendly processes is one of the central challenges of our time. Hydrogen plays a key role in this transition – especially in energy-intensive industries where conventional energy sources have so far been difficult to replace. At the Salzgitter site, concrete solutions are being developed, tested, and transferred into practice for this purpose. 

The transfer of the COAD^® process into industrial applications has been recognized with its inclusion in the final selection for the 2026 IHK Technology Transfer Award. For 40 years, the Braunschweig Chamber of Industry and Commerce has been honoring projects that successfully translate research results into industrial solutions.

How can relevant data from batteries be digitally recorded, linked, and made usable for informed decisions along the entire value chain? The DiVaBatt project aims to create transparency in the battery value chain through digital and AI-supported solutions, thereby enabling a sustainable, economical, and regulatory-compliant battery circular economy.

When investors, start-ups and researchers come together, environments are created in which scientific findings can be applied in practice and achieve commercial success. Such a setting was provided by the Business Angel Matching Evening, which was organized by the BANSON e. V. initiative in collaboration with the Competence Network INPLAS e.V. and took place at the Fraunhofer IST on February 10, 2026. 

How can coating and etching processes be made more efficient, robust, and data-driven? This question was the focus of the industry workshop “Plasma Process Simulation Tools for Industrial Coating and Etching Systems – Latest Developments and Future Trends,” which the Fraunhofer IST organized on January 28 and 29 in collaboration with boltzplatz and PlasmaSolve.

For many people in the remote regions of Namibia, the journey to the nearest clinic or doctor presents an obstacle that is almost impossible to overcome. Now, a technological innovation is offering hope: the self-sufficient PreCare platform is designed to make primary healthcare available in even the most remote, hard-to-reach areas.

From high quality plasma surface treatment towards coatings for next level adhesion with the COAD^® process.