Current funding projects

Sitebot is developing a modular and reconfigurable robotic platform for flexible on-site construction tasks, bridging the gap between industrial automation and the dynamic, unstructured conditions of real construction environments. The project aims to make robotic systems adaptable, safe and interoperable with human workers, focusing on human-robot collaboration, digital twin integration and ethical, sustainable deployment.

Project duration: 1 October 2026 – 30 September 2030

Funding amount: 1 ,266,562.50 euros

Funding body: European Union

Project leaders: Anja Schmiedt, Thomas Linner

The European Digital Innovation Hub DInA has emerged from the strategic consolidation of the two established hubs, DInO and DIBI, combining their complementary expertise and infrastructure into a unified, powerful initiative that spans almost the whole of Bavaria. By pooling regional strengths, DInA is well-placed to provide highly effective support to small and medium-sized enterprises and public institutions as they work together on their AI deployment and digital transformation journeys—with a particular focus on the adoption of ubiquitous artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies. The strong collaboration between these hubs has laid a solid foundation for scalable, user-centred services, testing approaches and well-functioning regional networks. DInA builds on this foundation by offering tailored solutions such as ‘test-before-invest’ environments, AI-focused skills training programmes, individual consultancy on business model innovation and access to regional, national and European funding, and innovation ecosystem-oriented cross-stakeholder networking to accelerate digitalisation and ensure effective AI deployment. Particular attention is paid to the needs of SMEs in rural and underserved areas to ensure inclusive and impactful transformation across sectors. With its ambition to unite Bavaria for a smarter digital future, DInA leverages its interdisciplinary and cross-regional structure not only to strengthen the innovation capacity of Bavarian enterprises but also to position itself as a leading player in the European digital ecosystem. With its practical experience, deep regional roots and a strong thematic focus on AI, DInA is ready to accelerate digital readiness and resilience throughout the Bavarian economy. Furthermore, DInA serves as a Europe-wide focal point, making its fundamental expertise in technology transfer available to underserved European regions – which is arguably its greatest benefit and represents a long-term investment in Europe’s digitalised and AI-enabled economic and social landscape.

Project duration: 1 September 2026 – 31 August 2029

Co-partners: appliedAI Institute for Europe gGmbH; Bavarian Academy of Sciences – Munich; Bavarian Research Alliance GmbH – Munich; BAYERN INNOVATIV GMBH; Augsburg University of Applied Sciences; FORTISS GmbH; Fraunhofer Society for the Promotion of Applied Research e.V. – Munich; IT-Gründerzentrum GmbH; TECHBASE REGENSBURG GmbH; Deggendorf University of Applied Sciences in Deggendorf (FH)

Funding amount: 648 ,693.92 euros

Funding body: European Union

Project lead: Jürgen Mottok

Project duration: 1 September 2026 – 30 June 2029

Funding amount: 538 ,892.24 euros

Funding body: INTERREG Bavaria – Czech Republic 2021–2027 (European Union)

Project leaders: Prof. Dr Georgios Raptis, Prof. Dr Sean Patrick Saßmannshausen

You can find information about the project via this link.

The project adopts an innovation-oriented approach (IOA) that builds on the German Hydrogen Atlas to address hydrogen development in Namibia and South Africa, two frontrunners in Africa’s hydrogen strategies owing to their abundant renewable energy resources, ambitious national roadmaps and strong political momentum. Despite this potential, several challenges are hindering progress: inadequate infrastructure mapping, a lack of reliable energy system models, limited local expertise, and unresolved socio-environmental risks. These barriers threaten to slow Africa’s emergence as a global player in green hydrogen and highlight the urgent need for solutions that combine technological innovation with capacity building. The project directly addresses the AU–EU Multi-Annual Roadmap (MAR), particularly MAR1 (renewable system integration) and MAR7 (green hydrogen production and use). It is equally aligned with the AU–EU Climate Change and Sustainable Energy (CCSE) Partnership, which emphasises the importance of integrated, cross-border and socially inclusive approaches to the energy transition. By combining a modular, open-source Hydrogen Mapping Platform with a Learning Factory for hydrogen workforce development, the project simultaneously addresses the twin challenges of infrastructure planning and human capacity building, ensuring a just and inclusive transition. The Hydrogen Mapping WebApp will integrate geospatial datasets, energy system models and socio-ecological indicators to provide a transparent evidence base for decision-making. Policymakers and investors will gain access to scenarios on hydrogen production potential, energy distribution networks and industrial integration, whilst researchers and industry representatives can use the tool for scenario analysis and project development. Importantly, the WebApp is designed to be scalable and replicable, enabling the integration of additional African countries. The Learning Factory will complement the digital tool by translating technical insights into tailored training programmes, accredited curricula and a train-the-trainer model that ensures continuity once project funding ends. With a strong focus on gender equality, the Learning Factory will promote women’s participation through targeted mentoring and scholarships, aiming for at least 40 per cent female participation in all activities. This approach not only develops local expertise but also contributes to a more diverse and resilient hydrogen workforce. In line with these priorities, H2Map-Educate pursues five core objectives:

1. To develop a modular Hydrogen Mapping WebApp that integrates geospatial data and energy system modelling to support transparent planning and investment.

2. Foster inclusive capacity building through a Learning Factory in Namibia, delivering accredited training with strong female participation.

3. Engage policymakers, industry and researchers to ensure market relevance, policy alignment and stakeholder ownership.

4. Integrate socio-ecological indicators such as water use, land rights and energy access into decision-making to ensure a just energy transition.

5. Ensure open access and replicability by publishing results and datasets on open platforms, thereby advancing digital innovation and scalability across Africa.

The consortium brings extensive expertise and networks to deliver on these objectives: OTH Regensburg, coordinator of the Wasserstoffatlas Deutschland, provides leadership in mapping and modelling; the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) ensures local ownership, gender-sensitive training design and institutional anchoring of the Learning Factory; the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) links the project to South Africa’s national hydrogen roadmap and modelling expertise; and the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) mobilises private-sector engagement through its Hydrogen Industry Platform. The expected impacts include improved planning and investment decisions for hydrogen infrastructure, increased local expertise and workforce readiness, strengthened African-European collaboration, and more inclusive participation in the energy transition. In the medium term (1–3 years after project completion), the WebApp can be adopted across African regions, whilst the Learning Factory will continue to train hundreds of students and professionals. In the longer term (3–5 years after the project), the project will serve as a blueprint for replication in other African countries, promoting the adoption of sustainable hydrogen and positioning Africa as a leading player in the global energy transition.

Project duration: 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2028

Funding amount: 209 ,000 euros

Funding body: European Union

Project leader: Prof. Dr Michael Sterner

Further information on the research project is available here in our ‘Successfully Secured’ section

Thanks to the national hydrogen strategy, the associated technology sector is developing particularly rapidly through new innovations and solutions up to 2030, meaning that new business areas with considerable economic potential are currently emerging for Bavarian companies; however, small and medium-sized enterprises in particular face major challenges in keeping pace, as they lack their own research and development departments. This project aims, in particular, to provide Bavarian small and medium-sized enterprises with a competitive edge through the strong research and development work carried out by OTH Regensburg in this field, via targeted knowledge transfer and engineering support in the design and technical and business evaluation of their implementation projects, so that they can become pioneers in national and global competition. • The knowledge transfer regarding the technical and economic resilience of sustainable energy and hydrogen systems will, on the one hand, build upon the analysis of large-scale best-practice examples from existing cooperation partners as well as in-house technological developments in hydrogen and heat storage and, on the other hand, be carried out using OTH Regensburg’s technoeconomic design and optimisation tool developed by OTH Regensburg, which has been validated using real-world data and will be further developed as part of this project through the new implementation projects of the network participants. Furthermore, the participating company representatives are to receive in-depth training in the planned knowledge transfer events and be encouraged to propose and implement a targeted expansion of their respective companies’ business areas, drawing on the specialist expertise gained in the rapidly growing energy and hydrogen economy market. Through the planned knowledge transfer activities and the support provided to SMEs by OTH Regensburg, furthermore, targeted matchmaking and networked collaboration will be established between the Bavarian SMEs seeking services and the service-providing companies within the hydrogen value chain, so that proposed project ideas can be put into direct practice.

Project duration: 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2028

Funding amount: 994 ,196.43 euros

Funding body: European Union

Project manager: Belal Dawoud

DIGINET is a digital platform for the real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance of pipeline infrastructure for media such as hydrogen, CO₂ and mixtures (e.g. H₂, methane). Through the use of artificial intelligence, digital twins and multiphysical simulations, it enables continuous risk analysis along the entire pipeline. The platform detects pressure fluctuations, corrosion cracks and leakage scenarios at an early stage and generates risk maps for CO₂ emissions. The aim is to increase the safety and availability of energy and climate-related infrastructure, reduce costs and minimise environmental risks. The project specifically promotes the transfer of key digital technologies to SMEs and contributes to Europe’s technological sovereignty.

Project duration: 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2028

Funding amount: 1 ,028,928.51 euros

Funding body: European Union

Project leaders: Andreas Lesser, Aida Nonn

AIM-SMEs promotes the sustainable creation of innovation based on artificial intelligence (AI) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through bespoke technology transfer. To this end, participating companies receive intensive support from an AI expert throughout all phases of implementing a company-specific application. The programme focuses on processes and products that are revolutionised in terms of efficiency, quality, productivity and sustainability through the transfer of the latest AI technologies, with the aim of creating immediate added value for the company, the region and Europe. The approaches and AI methods used are tailored individually to the specific needs of the companies and their use cases. As a result, the resulting innovations – such as tools for planning and quality assurance – serve as a guide and catalyst for subsequent AI projects and also act as inspiring, flagship projects with a wider regional impact.

Project duration: 1 October 2025 – 30 September 2028

Funding amount: 2 ,388,000 euros

Funding body: European Union

Project leader: Prof. Dr Wolfgang Mauerer, OTH Regensburg

Youcan find a report on the project under our ‘Successfully Secured’ section.

In collaboration with manufacturers and end-users, TC Schwandorf is developing an intelligent energy management and optimisation system (EMOS). Using mathematical optimisation methods, AI algorithms and probabilistic approaches, the energy supply for SMEs and industrial enterprises is strategically optimised, thereby making it more efficient and sustainable. EMOS comprises planning optimisation/investment decisions (expansion and design of new facilities), operational optimisation/deployment and scheduling decisions, and, as a third component, the option of a high-capacity self-supply or emergency power supply in the event of a failure of the public electricity grid. It takes into account all key variables, such as on-site generation, electrical/thermal storage options, production flexibility (load management), dynamic electricity tariffs, and marketing opportunities (electricity, system services, etc.). The aim is to integrate the operational energy supply as effectively as possible (e.g. through economic optimisation) into Germany’s future volatile electricity supply system, thereby reducing costs and/or risks. This project makes a significant contribution to driving forward the energy transition within industrial and regional structures.

Project duration: 1 September 2025 – 31 August 2028

Funding amount: 1 ,324,000 euros

Funding body: European Union

Project leader: Prof. Dr Oliver Brückl, OTH Regensburg

The quality of life of residents in the Bavarian-Czech border region is linked to the opportunities the region offers them. Much of this relates to employment opportunities close to home and the services available in the region. The aim of the project is to identify and develop opportunities in the border region and to motivate and support the target group – that is, students at the participating universities – to focus their career paths after graduation on entrepreneurial activities in the border region. To this end, a Bavarian-Czech student incubator will be established and run at the partner universities. The incubator comprises a joint course component in which teams of students acquire the skills needed to develop their business ideas. This is followed by an individual incubation programme aimed at the targeted development of selected business plans and their potential future implementation. There is an ongoing exchange between students and teaching staff. A cross-border student competition will be organised. Thanks to the cross-border approach, students learn to view the border region as a whole and gain an understanding of the economic and social conditions in the neighbouring region. They will be able to draw up and implement business plans, thereby also benefiting the shared border region.

Project duration: 1 May 2025 – 30 April 2028

Cooperation partner: Universityof Technology and Economics in České Budějovice

Funding amount: 398 ,000 euros

Funding body: European Union

Project leader: Prof. Dr Sean Patrick Saßmannshausen, OTH Regensburg

Here is the link to the project description in our ‘Successfully Secured’ section.

Within the programme area, there is a regional, quantitative and qualitative disparity in the distribution of dental care, particularly in the field of dental traumatology. The 3DenTECT project aims to establish a training programme designed to improve the continuing professional development of dentists. Theoretical knowledge is to be imparted via an open-source learning platform using modern learning methods. Practical training is based on a didactic concept involving reusable training models that simulate various defects in the mixed dentition – a combination of milk teeth and permanent teeth – and in the adult dentition. The models can be produced using 3D printing and other methods, either by the users themselves or by regional manufacturing companies on commission. This ensures that the training models are available to local dental practices, enabling them to practise a wide variety of treatment scenarios and to undertake flexible continuing professional development, regardless of location or time. The training concept is to be continuously updated, with new findings and procedures integrated into the model-based training. In this way, practices in the programme area are kept up to date with the latest treatment methods, and the management of common dental accidents is improved. Preserving teeth and preventing complications not only improves the quality of life for patients – who are often young – but also reduces the burden on the healthcare system.

Project duration: 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2028

Cooperation partners: Czech Dental Chamber, Prague; Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen; Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg; Charles University. Prague; Lower Bavaria District Dental Association, Passau; Upper Franconia District Dental Association, Bayreuth; Upper Palatinate District Dental Association, Regensburg.

Funding amount: 453 ,000 euros

Funding body: European Union, European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

Project leader: Prof. Dr Thomas Schratzenstaller

Youcan find further information about the project in our ‘Successfully Secured’ section.

The aim of Walz 4.0 is to combine traditional craft knowledge and techniques with modern university teaching and research across regions, using open and distributed learning methods, in a way that is innovative, future-proof, people-centred and respectful.

The future of construction lies in the transformation of the existing building stock. This can only be achieved to a limited extent through automated construction processes. The construction industry is therefore more reliant than ever on craft expertise, which means that the skilled trades will play a key role in the future of construction. The reuse of building components, which is a key objective in the sustainable restructuring of the construction industry and which, in practice, is always based on ad hoc processes, relies on the practical skills of the trades and historical craft knowledge. To achieve efficiency, sustainability and innovation, specialist craftsmanship must be incorporated into the planning of buildings at an early stage, and all stakeholders involved in planning and implementation must work together to shape processes.

Project duration: 1 January 2025 – 31 July 2028

Partners: ThurgauHeritage Foundation (DST), Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FHV), Constance Chamber of Crafts – Constance, University of Eastern Switzerland (OST), University of Liechtenstein (UniLi), Vorarlberg Institute of Architecture (VAI), Vorarlberg Chamber of Commerce (WKV), Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) Winterthur

Coordinating institution: Constance University of Applied Sciences – Faculty of Technology, Business and Design

Project sponsor: Regional Council of Tübingen – Tübingen

Funding amount: 907 ,767 euros

Sources of funding/funding bodies: Interreg Alpine Rhine-Lake Constance-Upper Rhine (European Union – funding city), OTH’s own funds (OTH Regensburg)

Project leaders: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Linner, Prof. Dr. Mathias Obergrießer, Prof. Dr. Charlotte Thiel, Prof. Florian Ulrich Weininger

Here you will find the LINK to the project description in our ‘Successfully Secured’ section.

The main objective of SPIN-FERT is to integrate optimised and validated innovations in soil management practices and to improve peat-free substrates in order to enhance soil health in vegetable, fruit and ornamental crops. SPIN-FERT will capitalise on the outcomes, including patents, from several related projects, in particular EXCALIBUR, as six of its members are partners in SPIN-FERT. A multi-stakeholder approach lies at the heart of SPIN-FERT’s methodology and consortium, facilitating extensive knowledge transfer and co-design. Specifically, SPIN-FERT will optimise the production process of selected fertiliser products and improve their formulation using innovative protocols to increase their efficacy. SPIN-FERT will transform agri-food by-products into resources for agricultural production, further utilising them to create peat-free growing media. These, together with reconditioned coir, will be formulated with specifically selected microbial strains to improve their characteristics and suitability, particularly for the nursery sector. All innovative products will be validated in field trials across four regions in Europe (PL, I, F and UK). Five tools will be developed to support the correct implementation of the practices, to facilitate product registration and to promote policy development, including a Soil Holistic Quality Index. SPIN-FERT will carry out economic, social and environmental assessments of the peat-free substrates and soil management innovations to demonstrate their sustainability. All this information will serve to develop a comprehensive policy framework for measures promoting the widespread adoption of soil-friendly practices. To further ensure the commercial relevance of the peat-free substrates and soil management innovations, SMEs, public authorities and citizen representatives are partnering with or advising SPIN-FERT to ensure effective project delivery and maximum impact. Art, science and image-based tools will be utilised in communication and dissemination to raise awareness of the central role of soil health for humans and life on the planet.

Project duration: 1 June 2024 – 30 November 2027

Cooperation partner: Instytut Ogrodnictwa – Panstwowy Instytut Badawczy

Funding amount: 380 ,000 euros

Funding body: European Union

Project leader: Prof. Dr Hermann Ketterl

This doctoral network (DN) addresses the existing need to train a new generation of experts in the emerging sub-field of soft robotics based on the control of material properties via a magnetic field – magnetic soft robotics. The materials involved are elastomers and complementary liquids, filled with micro- and nanometre-sized magnetic particles. As the technical problems and tasks involved are complex and require expertise from various fields of science and technology, the consortium comprises seven academic and two industrial partners from the fields of biology, materials science, physics and robotics engineering. A further three-
-associated partners are involved in research and training in transferable skills. The research programme will focus on demonstrating a number of mobile robots and robotic gripping devices equipped with the necessary electronic and control systems, in which the essential functional parameters (e.g. the coefficient of friction of the robot’s foot or the stiffness of the finger joint, etc.) are controlled by permanent or electromagnets. In the process of developing functional prototypes, the synthesis-structure-properties relationships of magnetic soft matter are to be investigated both experimentally and theoretically, as the required dependencies are not yet available and the underlying physical phenomena are not fully understood. The mechanical components of the soft mobile robots—
—featuring integrated magnetic soft matter, the necessary electrical and magnetic control circuits, and the adaptive control algorithms for real-time magnetic field tuning and the generation of robot behaviour are to be developed. The carefully designed training programme will provide all doctoral candidates with the necessary minimum level of interdisciplinary specialist knowledge and prepare them to meet the challenges of their future careers, whether in academia, industry or as entrepreneurs, for example through compulsory exposure to an industrial environment during secondments.

Project duration: 1 March 2024 – 29 February 2028

Collaborating partners: Bavarian Research Alliance – associated partner – Munich, Jožef Stefan Institute – Ljubljana, Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School (IPS) – associated partner – Ljubljana, Prensilia SR – Pontedera, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna – Pisa, The Pennsylvania State University – associated partner – Pennsylvania, University of Ljubljana (UL) – Ljubljana, University of Southern Denmark (SDU) – Odense M, University of Kiel, University of Vienna – Vienna, Wegard GmbH – Hamburg

Funding amount: 260 ,000 euros

Funding body: European Union

Project leader: Prof. Dr Mikhail Chamonine

More information about the project can be found here.

ARTEMIS, the Alliance for Regional Transition, Equality, Mobility, Inclusion and Sustainability, is designed to develop and implement new, far-reaching, long-term, systemic and sustainable institutional cooperation between eight interdisciplinary higher education institutions. The consortium brings together four comprehensive universities and four universities of applied sciences from Western Europe (UCA, France; OTH Regensburg, Germany; VIVES, Belgium), Southern (UoI, Greece; UniPG, Italy), Northern (HVL, Norway) and Eastern Europe (OUC, Romania; TTK, Estonia), reflecting the richness of European diversity. The Alliance’s name, inspired by the Greek goddess of the wilderness and protector of harbours, symbolises its commitment to safeguarding and fostering the mobility of ideas, goods and people, whilst also contributing to regional prosperity. ARTEMIS is well-equipped to tackle the specific challenges facing its regions, such as accessibility issues arising from geographical isolation, the environmental impact of mobility solutions, and the societal effects of forced migration. ARTEMIS’s mission is to nurture conscious European citizens, well-equipped for the future with essential skills, competences and a global perspective, fostered by a deeply integrated international campus. This endeavour not only promotes academic cooperation but also embodies European integration, advancing a shared identity and values through education. Committed to a collaborative model involving academic and socio-economic partners, as well as student participation in joint educational and research initiatives, ARTEMIS strives to lead innovation and encourage societal engagement to address current and future challenges related to mobility. In doing so, it aims to serve as a role model, attractive to other universities in Europe and around the world.

Project duration: 7 February 2024 – 30 November 2028

Partners: Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA)/France (coordinating institution), Hogeschool VIVES Zuid/Belgium, Høgskulen på Vestlandet HVL/Norway, Tallinna Tehnikakõrgkool TKTK/Estonia, Universitatea „Ovidius” din Constanța/Romania, University of Ioannina/Greece, Università degli studi di Perugia/Italy.

Associated partners: Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kremenchuk Mykhailo Ostrohradskyi National University/both in Ukraine.

Funding amount: 8.64 million euros (total)

Funding body: European Union

Project leader: Prof. Dr Oliver Steffens

Project duration: 16 August 2023 – 31 December 2026

Partners: Es geht! Energiesysteme GmbH – Straubing-Bogen | University of Technology and Economics in České Budějovice – České Budějovice | University of West Bohemia in Pilsen – Pilsen

Funding amount: 633,961.12 euros

Funding body: INTERREG Bavaria – Czech Republic 2021–2027 (European Union – funding city), OTH Regensburg’s own funds

Project leaders: Prof. Dr Belal Dawoud; Prof. Dr Johannes Eckstein

You can find information about the project via this link.

In order to reduce CO₂ emissions across Europe and break European countries’ dependence on fossil fuels, it will be necessary to replace the current energy sources – which are mainly fossil-based – with more climate-friendly, renewable energy sources. Hydrogen offers one such way of ensuring that energy generation across Europe is powered by renewable sources. However, the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier also requires a safe and well-developed infrastructure for transport and storage. An extensive network of pipelines is already in place for the transport of gases and liquids across Europe; part of this network can (and will) also be used for the transport of hydrogen. The use of hydrogen as an energy carrier requires an efficient distribution system. Steel pipelines have so far proved to be particularly cost-effective and reliable. However, the transport of hydrogen through steel pipelines is a challenging undertaking, as atomic hydrogen diffusion can lead to embrittlement of the steel. Furthermore, the operating pressure depends heavily on the energy density of the gas, meaning that assessment methods must be adapted. The project aims to develop a cross-scale, simulation-based framework to establish an expanded guideline for the safety assessment of steel pipelines under hydrogen loading. It is expected that this framework will also be of great benefit for future developments in steels with improved resistance to hydrogen-induced failure.

Project duration: 1 July 2023 – 31 December 2026

Collaborating partners: Aalto University, Espoo, Finland; Corinth Pipeworks Pipe Industry SA, Athens, Greece; Fundación IMDEA Materiales, Getafe, Spain; Materialový Metalurgický Výzkum s.r.o., Ostrava, Czech Republic; University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece; RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Rina Consulting – Centro Sviluppo Materiali S.p.A., Rome, Italy; Serimax Holdings sas, Roissy-en-France, France; Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

Funding amount: 120 ,800 euros

Funding body: European Union

Project leader: Prof. Dr Aida Nonn

The STENTIQ project aims to develop an AI-supported digital twin platform for the patient-specific optimisation of coronary stents. Despite technological advances, stent failure and in-stent restenosis (ISR) remain common, particularly in cases involving complex vascular geometries. Current planning approaches are mostly generic and take into account neither individual anatomical differences nor long-term mechanical effects such as fatigue and wall stress. STENTIQ combines modern imaging, finite element methods (FEM) and AI-based surrogate models to digitally map the entire stent implantation process – from vascular reconstruction to long-term loading. The aim is to predict relevant mechanical parameters in real time for the selection and customisation of stents. OTH Regensburg is responsible for technical management (physics-based modelling, simulation, AI). The University of Sarajevo (Mechanical Engineering) contributes its expertise in structural mechanics and optimisation. The “Prim. Dr. Abdulah Nakaš” General Hospital is providing clinical imaging data and supporting the validation process. Regensburg University Hospital (UKR) is contributing the clinical perspective on the German side. The Verlab Institute contributes regulatory expertise and experience in digital health, AI and CE certification. The project promotes sustainable bilateral cooperation and supports the development of research infrastructure and digital health expertise in the Western Balkans. STENTIQ forms the basis for CE-certifiable, clinically-oriented planning software for personalised care in coronary heart disease.

Project duration: 1 October 2026 – 30 September 2029

Funding amount: 356 ,667.57 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Project leader: Prof. Dr Aida Nonn

Project idea/innovation potential:
– Parallel arrangement of functional single- and multi-layer absorbers
– Utilising the different resonances of the absorbers connected in parallel to achieve a broader absorption spectrum
– Tailoring the absorption profile of the absorber modules to specific areas of application

Research topic:
1. Material development: Production of cellulose-based absorbers by forming highly-filled speciality papers into mosaic structures (possibly fibre casting)
2. Calculation/optimisation: Computational model aimed at identifying material parameters and combinations to approximate a target absorption curve as closely as possible
3. Experimental validation: Validation of the computational model for normal and diffuse sound incidence

Project duration: 1 September 2026 – 28 February 2029

Funding amount: 274 ,935.17 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Project leaders: Prof. Dr Christoph Höller, Prof. Dr Marcus Wagner

Follow this link to read an article about the research project in our ‘Successfully Secured’ section

The provision of biogas capable of meeting base load demand from renewable, bio-based residues can and must make a significant contribution to the successful energy transition away from fossil fuels. As the EEG feed-in tariff is being phased out, plant operators must adapt their business models. Key levers in this regard include the processing of residual and waste materials rather than specially cultivated ‘energy crops’, improving the efficiency of processes, utilising digestate in ways that generate greater added value, and placing a stronger focus on biomethane production. Avoiding the cultivation of specific energy crops is also desirable to prevent competition for land with food crops and to avoid environmentally harmful monocultures. Economically viable approaches to biogas production can help to revitalise the recently relatively slow expansion of biogas plants in Germany and thus realise the potential of biogas production as a key component of the energy transition. However, greater attention must be paid to minimising undesirable emissions (particularly NH₃) and ensuring acceptance amongst local residents. The planned project addresses precisely these critical issues. The project coordinator, Hyperthermics, has been working for some time on the hyperthermophilic pre-fermentation of biogenic substrates to increase biogas production in a downstream biogas reactor (‘biogas booster technology’). In this process, the pre-fermentation reactor is normally operated using an H₂-producing species from the genus Thermotoga, whilst the biogas reactor, with its microbial consortia (hydrolysis/acetogenesis/methanogenesis) is operated under moderately thermophilic conditions – and, depending on the substrate, achieves yield increases of approximately 20% CH₄. When the pre-fermentation reactor is used, hydrogenotrophic methanogens also play a role due to H₂ production in the subsequent biogas process. Hyperthermophilic, anaerobic pre-fermentation offers not only temperature-favoured enzymatic degradation of complex carbohydrates and proteins through process control at 78–80°C, but also the simultaneous advantage of pasteurisation or hygienisation of the fermentation products for subsequent biological process steps, and contributes to the hydrolysis, acidification and acetogenesis stages of the biogas process. Preliminary laboratory-scale studies using batch fermentations have shown that hyperthermophilicperthermophilic pre-fermentation not only increases biogas yield but also leads to faster kinetics in the biogas process (20–50 per cent, depending on the substrate). The aim of the proposed project is to translate the rapid kinetics observed in the laboratory into a large-scale, continuous, coupled process (pre- and main fermentation) with a significantly reduced retention time and increased biogas yield, and to scale this up to industrial scale upon completion of the project. Due to the greatly reduced retention time, a significantly higher mass throughput can be achieved in a continuous process for a given plant size; alternatively, a considerably smaller plant is required for a given throughput. The energy requirements of the 80°C fermentation stage are to be minimised through skilful energy management of the entire plant. On the substrate side, the project will focus on the utilisation of a wide variety of agricultural and forestry residues (garden waste, straw, wood residues, slurry) to enable a flexible process. Lignocellulosic materials in particular are regarded as ‘difficult’ renewable raw materials, which lead to prolonged process times and benefit particularly from hyperthermophilic pre-fermentation. A challenge that has so far remained unresolved in realising the targeted continuous process variant lies in process control, as – unlike the batch process in the laboratory – direct observation of the kinetics is not possible. Therefore, the project aims to develop and utilise a model-based process control system based on sensor-measurable parameters such as H₂ formation, redox potential and pH. Furthermore, a complete digital twin of the entire process is to be developed to enable virtual scaling of the process to industrial scale. A further objective of the process is to reduce disruptive NH₃ emissions in order to prevent harmful environmental impacts and increase public acceptance. The approaches pursued here are described below and, following NH₃ depletion of the primary digestate, result in a stable solid phase with a defined nitrogen content, which can be marketed as farm manure.

Project duration: 1 August 2026 – 31 July 2029

Funding amount: 531 ,576.04 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

Project leader: Prof. Dr Hans-Peter Rabl

Collaborators:

• Blümel GmbH – associated with
• Hyperthermics Regensburg GmbH – Regensburg
• HÖGL Technologie Energie Organik GmbH – associate
• Schmid Bioenergie GbR

This project is one of five thematic collaborative projects coordinated by the German Einstein Telescope Community to advance preparations for the Einstein Telescope and to strengthen the relevant technological capabilities in Germany for the realisation of the observatory. The topics of the five projects were selected on the basis of the leading expertise and excellence of German research groups. Decisive criteria included central scientific questions and key technologies, important and current scientific challenges, and their impact on the development of the Einstein Telescope in an international context. The mirrors of the low-frequency interferometer (ET-LF) are a central component of the observatory and represent one of the greatest technological challenges. To achieve the desired sensitivity, large silicon mirrors are required that combine extremely low optical absorption and outstanding mechanical properties with dimensions that far exceed what is currently achievable using established manufacturing processes for high-purity silicon crystals. Furthermore, the fabrication and super-polishing of these optical elements must achieve a surface quality in the sub-nanometre range. Their use requires low-loss suspension systems for cryogenic temperatures, as well as reliable ultra-high vacuum conditions that ensure stable, long-term operation of the test masses. By pooling complementary expertise in crystal growth, materials science and cryogenic engineering, the partners will contribute to the development of the key elements of the ET-LFS mirror system, including scalable fabrication processes for large silicon substrates, suitable suspension systems and concepts for operating the mirrors at cryogenic temperatures in a vacuum.

Project duration: 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2029

Funding amount: 595 ,321.29 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space

Project leader: Prof., Dr. rer. nat., Dipl.-Phys. Rupert Schreiner

Collaborators: German Centre for Astrophysics | Dutch Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) – associated partner | Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University Hannover – associated partner | Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) | Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati (INFN-LFN) – associated partner | Maastricht University – associated partner

The ISCOB project is developing new methods to assess impact sound in buildings, addressing the gaps between standard metrics and perceived comfort—particularly for low-frequency noise in timber structures. ISCOB employs an interdisciplinary methodology, beginning with a meta-analysis of existing approaches to assessing impact sound. Building on this, laboratory and field measurements, as well as listening tests (both in the lab and online), will be carried out. Online methods allow for a significantly larger group of test subjects. The project’s outcomes will be the integration of objective measurement data with subjective user evaluations, leading to perception-based descriptors and comfort classes. These results will be translated into practical planning tools, enabling architects, engineers and clients to directly compare and hear the acoustic performance of different construction solutions.

Project duration: 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2028

Funding amount: 246 ,500.88 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

Partners: Buildwise | HSD Hochschule Döpfer GmbH | Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences (TH Rosenheim) | Trägerverein Institut für Holztechnologie Dresden e.V.

Project leader: Christoph Höller

As part of the EUREKA collaborative project, OTH Regensburg is focusing on data-driven modelling of urban flood risks. The aim of this sub-project is to develop and evaluate machine learning methods that efficiently approximate the results of physics-based hydrodynamic simulations and make them usable for transferable risk assessments. This is based on structured datasets from 1D/2D simulations, which contain design rainfall events, urban characteristics (e.g. topography, land cover, drainage infrastructure) and resulting flood indicators. On this basis, ML models are developed to predict key parameters such as peak discharge, inundation area and water depth. A key focus is on analysing the transferability of these models across different cities and climatic conditions. To this end, various model classes are investigated, including tabular learning methods, deep neural networks and spatial deep learning architectures. In addition, suitable validation and regularisation strategies are employed to systematically assess the generalisability of the models. To support technically comprehensible use, methods of explainable artificial intelligence are employed, which make the influence of relevant input variables on the model predictions transparent. The ML models developed will be integrated into the cross-project planning and visualisation system as rapid surrogate models, where they will be used for scenario-based assessment of urban flood risks.

Project duration: 1 May 2026 – 31 May 2029

Funding amount: 55 ,560.00 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space

Project lead: Stefanie Vogl

In the PROMPT research project, the proposed XCYC PICKUP Work 4.0 ECO electric cargo bike, fitted with the Smart City Box 1500 rear transport box, will be used as a ground-based mobile sensor platform (MSP). The vehicle is used to transport and operate a scientific measurement setup for photoacoustic trace gas measurement (PAS) on the move. The transport box is used not only as a loading area but also as a protected housing for the measurement setup. The box contains, in particular, the measuring cell, sensors, the laboratory measuring instruments required for the experiments, and other components of the measurement and evaluation technology. The aim is to create a battery-powered, fully functional system capable of carrying out real-world measurements of gas leaks. The integrated measurement setup is transported from the OTH Regensburg / Sensorik-ApplikationsZentrum (SappZ) site to various locations within the city of Regensburg and the surrounding region. These include, in particular, domestic connections, sections of the natural gas network and other field test sites operated by the project partners. The cargo bike transports the measuring and work equipment directly to the locations where real-world measurements and trials are to be carried out under practical conditions. A key reason for using the mobile platform is the stricter legal regulations on gas leak monitoring, which require significantly more frequent inspections; yet the monitoring of domestic connections, particularly in inner-city areas, is currently still often carried out on foot, which is highly time-consuming and labour-intensive. This transport is necessary because the PROMPT project aims to transform a PAS measurement setup, which was previously laboratory-based, into a mobile, practical platform. The cargo bike will therefore be used directly for research and development purposes and will serve to transport measuring equipment and sensors to specific locations where methane emissions are to be detected and localised.

Project duration: 1 June 2026 – 31 December 2029

Funding amount: 2 ,690.53 euros

Funding body: Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control

Project leader: Prof. Dr Matthias Ehrnsperger

In its 2024 special report, the Expert Council on Climate Issues concluded that the statutory emissions reduction target for the period 2021–2030 is unlikely to be met overall. Consequently, to achieve the statutory climate protection targets, annual emission reductions in the buildings sector must increase by a factor of 2.99 compared with the past decade. In the current debate, the Federal Government’s environmental and climate policy objectives regarding the housing shortage and ‘affordable housing’ are coming up against socio-political challenges. The aim must therefore be to develop and demonstrate sustainable, cross-sector neighbourhood supply concepts and to optimise them both technically and economically. In this project, the AI- and optimisation-based control system – developed on a pre-development platform in the previous ‘MAGGIE 1.0’ project – is to be tested in practice and ported to a commercially available platform in order to realise its potential for market application. By optimising the existing hybrid system and extending it to include the grid-beneficial use of dynamic electricity tariffs with power-to-heat systems and a decentralised battery storage system, the share of renewable energy is to be increased to at least 70 per cent. Through the planned virtual studies of space cooling using PV electricity in summer, as well as increasing the share of renewable energy to 100 per cent via local sector coupling concepts, exemplary supply concepts will be provided for existing and future neighbourhoods. The production of the innovative spray insulation containing micro-hollow glass beads will be optimised and assessed via a life cycle assessment with a view to minimising its CO₂ emissions and ensuring faster and simpler application. Finally, a predictive maintenance tool for fault detection and hydraulic analysis of simple and hybrid heating systems will be developed and tested.

Project duration: 1 June 2026 – 31 May 2029

Funding amount: 1 ,138,748.03 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Project leaders: Prof. Dr Simone Bracher, Prof. Dr Belal Dawoud, Prof. Dr Jan Dünnweber, Prof. Dr Christian Rechenauer

Partners: Margaretenau eGBuilding Cooperative | lokavis sicherheitstechnik GmbH – Eggenfelden | LUXGREEN Climadesign – Regensburg | City of Regensburg, Department of Urban Development

In semiconductor manufacturing, even the slightest process deviations can lead to significant quality losses. In particular, plasma surges in etching and deposition processes cause damage to sensitive structures, which is often only detected in downstream inspection stages. Early, process-integrated monitoring is therefore crucial to reducing scrap and utilising resources efficiently.

The high-RISE project addresses this challenge through a collaborative research initiative by developing a novel approach to simultaneous multi-component gas analysis based on photoacoustic spectroscopy. The aim is to detect characteristic trace gases in the process atmosphere in real time and to utilise them as indicators of critical process conditions. To achieve this, multi-frequency modulation techniques are combined with the analysis of multiple acoustic resonance modes and broadly tunable diode lasers. In conjunction with fibre-coupled sensor systems, this results in a flexible and scalable measurement architecture that requires only a single central emitter module.

A digital twin supports the design, calibration and stable operation of the system under industrial conditions. The aim of the project is to advance the technology from an experimental development stage (TRL 5) towards industrial demonstration (TRL 7), thereby enabling its transfer into practical application.

In addition to the semiconductor industry, this approach opens up prospects for further applications in process analytics, environmental measurement technology and the energy sector.

Project duration: 1 April 2026 – 31 March 2029

Funding amount: 752 ,971 euros

Funding body: Application-oriented non-nuclear R&D under the German Federal Government’s 8th Energy Research Programme – Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Berlin

Collaborators: Endress & Hauser Conducta GmbH & Co KG, Gerlingen; nanoplus Nanosystems and Technologies GmbH, Gerbrunn

Project leader: Dr Thomas Rück

Follow this link to read an article about the research project in our ‘Successfully Secured’ section

This project aims to develop a portable, wash-free platform for magnetic biosensors that enables rapid, sensitive and versatile point-of-care (PoC) diagnostics. The system is based on frequency-mixing magnetic detection (FMMD) of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). By combining complementary expertise in instrumentation, nanoparticle synthesis and simulation, the project addresses current limitations in SPION-based biosensor technology – in particular the lack of quantitative, wash-free and field-deployable solutions. The proposed FMMD-based sensor detects pathogen-specific binding events via changes in the relaxation behaviour of the magnetic nanoparticles, in particular Brownian relaxation, which is sensitive to hydrodynamic size changes caused by the binding of molecular biological targets or agglomeration. We propose synthesising monodisperse SPIONs with core sizes above 20 nm to ensure that Brownian relaxation is the dominant process. These particles are functionalised with polyelectrolytes, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or gold nanoparticles to create model systems for evaluating changes in hydrodynamic diameter and particle agglomeration. The tailor-made SPIONs enable the detection of molecular interactions without time-consuming washing steps and thus represent a strategic advance for proof-of-concept (PoC) applications. A predictive simulation framework is intended to support synthesis and instrumentation development by modelling the dynamic magnetic response under varying field conditions and SPION parameters. This will also take into account particle-particle interactions and aggregation scenarios to enable an optimal design for maximising the FMMD signal. Furthermore, the simulations will help to distinguish between contributions from Néel and Brownian relaxation – a key prerequisite for the interpretation of FMMD signals. The work programme comprises eight interlinked work packages: ranging from the synthesis and surface functionalisation of the SPIONs, through their physicochemical and magnetic characterisation, to the optimisation of the FMMD instrumentation. Experimental validation, together with a comparison of simulation and experiment, will ultimately lead to the demonstration of a wash-free DNA detection method in physiological media. Overall, the project aims to establish a new class of portable magnetic biosensors for future pathogen diagnostics and broader biomedical applications – offering high sensitivity, speed and quantitative readout in a robust, field-deployable format.

Project duration: 1 April 2026 – 31 March 2029

Funding amount: 252 ,440 euros

Funding body: German Research Foundation (DFG) – Bonn

Collaborators: AachenUniversity of Applied Sciences, Jülich Campus, Jülich

Project leader: Prof. Dr Corinna Kaulen

Contemporary societies are facing multiple, intertwined crises that are emblematic of the tensions inherent in reflexive modernisation processes (Beck et al., 1996; Boin et al., 2020). The climate crisis, migration, economic challenges and geopolitical conflicts are driven by processes of rationalisation, individualisation, globalisation and digitalisation. These challenges are being tackled using the very technical means that brought them about. The intensification of regional disparities is one of the core issues of societal change (Ludwig, 2022). Structural weakness, societal transformations and multiple crises present a threefold challenge for most rural areas (Hansmeier et al., 2022). Structurally weak regions were particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic (Buch et al., 2022; Hansmeier et al., 2022), characterised by comparatively underdeveloped infrastructure, weak economic performance, and a high exodus of young and skilled people (Dax, 2005; Hemming & Tillmann, 2022; Hüther et al., 2019). The emigration of young people poses a challenge, as they are the key resource for tackling the problems of structurally weak regions that identify them as areas in need of (regional, national, supranational) support (Brandstetter, 2015, 2022; the EU project PAYPIRD 1999–2003; Jentsch, 2004; Beierle et al., 2016). AYPPA focuses on young people in ‘structurally weak regions’. AYPPA is innovative in that peripheral areas are a) mostly addressed in terms of restrictions on young people’s scope for action (Shucksmith, 2004; Marôpo, 2014; Yildiz & Preissing, 2017), b) often considered from isolated perspectives, e.g. young people (Wochnik, 2018; Beierle et al., 2016), and c) often limited to the national level. There is a lack of research into the educational opportunities that young people create through their strategies for staying (Ludwig, 2022), as well as the situational conditions (Clarke, 2011) under which young people remain, where they are encouraged to leave, and how they experience themselves as empowered within the interplay of regional context and family. In this way, the project addresses a research gap between a socio-structural definition of structurally disadvantaged areas and the people living in these areas.

Project duration: 1 April 2026 – 30 September 2028

Co-operating partners: Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg – associated partner, University of Münster, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) Winterthur

Funding amount: 336 ,000 euros

Funding body: German Research Foundation (DFG)

Project leader: Prof. Dr Manuela Brandstetter

The OTH Regensburg Female Founders Programme consists of several interlinked and mutually reinforcing stages. The programme is characterised by various conceptual phases aimed at raising awareness of and providing advice on start-ups. These were successfully implemented in the second EXIST Women cohort. Prior to the actual start of the programme, a preparatory phase is planned to update the website, carry out marketing activities (posters, actively approaching potential participants, etc.), further develop and maintain the network of female mentors, and select the participants. Participants will be actively involved in the programme from February 2026 up to and including November/December 2026. During this time, they will be involved in support measures and advisory formats specifically tailored to women. These measures will draw on existing formats (e.g. workshops, counselling, role model talks) whilst also introducing new initiatives. Activities from the first and second cohorts that proved highly successful will be retained and expanded. In addition to the existing support for founders provided by the OTH Start-up Centre (start-up network), the focus is on a programme specifically tailored to female founders, designed to raise awareness, encourage and support women in particular when it comes to starting a business. In addition to support from the network of female mentors and a matched mentor, individual one-to-one counselling provided by the Female Founders Programme’s start-up adviser ensures support for all female founders.

Project duration: 1 March 2026 – 31 December 2026

Funding amount: 77 ,500 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

Project lead: Prof. Dr Sevim Süzeroglu-Melchiors

Unlike ordinary gases, plasmas consist of both charged particles (electrons, positive and negative ions) and uncharged particles (atoms, molecules and radicals). In contrast to the ‘hot’ plasmas that are much better known from nature and technology (e.g. stars, fusion plasmas), in non-thermal plasmas the gas temperature in many cases barely exceeds room temperature. This makes them an interesting field of research with a wide range of potential technical applications. In plasma, atoms and molecules exist in excited states, which means that chemical reactions with high activation energy can take place at significantly lower temperatures compared with conventional methods. Their use enables, for example, the efficient decomposition of CO₂ into CO and O₂, which in turn can be used to produce valuable chemicals such as methanol. However, the generation of technical plasmas generally still requires complex and expensive plasma generation devices (so-called plasma sources). Motivation and approach: Microplasma sources require significantly lower ignition and operating voltages compared to conventional plasma sources. This considerably reduces the effort required to operate the plasma sources, as more cost-effective and compact components – such as piezo transformers – can be used instead of expensive high-voltage sources, which in turn facilitates miniaturisation and opens up further new fields of application. The scientific and technical challenge in our project lies in the miniaturisation of plasma generation and the requirement that these ‘cold’ plasmas be operated at atmospheric pressure (e.g. in air) and close to room temperature. The central question of this project is to determine which materials and geometries must be used in the realisation of these microplasma sources and in which operating mode they should be controlled, in order to achieve a maximum degree of ionisation in the plasma on a given substrate surface whilst minimising electrical power consumption.

The aim of our project is to use microsystem technology to realise extremely small devices for plasma generation (microplasma sources) at atmospheric pressure, which enable high efficiency in plasma generation (> 90%) even at low electrical power consumption. They should be fabricated using a process that allows for subsequent scaling up to large areas. Building on these optimised plasma sources, the next step will be to develop a demonstrator of a miniaturised plasma reactor, which is to be used in experiments to investigate and optimise plasma-catalytic CO₂ conversion.

Project duration: 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2029

Collaborating partners: Leibniz Institute for Plasma Research and Technology e.V. – Greifswald, Nanoinitiative Bayern GmbH – Würzburg, relyon Plasma GmbH – Regensburg

Funding amount: 1 ,131,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space

Project leaders: Prof. Dr Rupert Schreiner, Prof. Dr Corinna Kaulen, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Philip Keil

The PROMPT research project is developing an innovative, mobile trace gas sensor system for the detection and localisation of methane and ethane emissions. Based on photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS), it combines robust, cost-effective sensor technology with AI-supported algorithms and mobile platforms such as drones or robots. The aim is to efficiently identify methane leaks and enable the simultaneous detection of multiple gases in order to distinguish between emission sources such as pipeline leaks or
agricultural activities. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that causes significant environmental damage and economic losses due to leaky infrastructure. Existing monitoring systems are expensive, inaccurate or unsuitable for mobile applications. PROMPT addresses these challenges by developing a highly sensitive PAS system for mobile use that can operate autonomously using AI-based methods. The system offers detection limits in the ppb range and utilises simple, cost-effective components such as 3D-printed measuring cells and MEMS microphones. Interdisciplinary collaboration with industry partners such as REWAG, Bayernwerk, Globe Flight and mu-t GmbH promotes technology transfer. Field tests in real-world environments and the use of a digital twin ensure the system’s practical viability. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, PROMPT strengthens OTH Regensburg as a centre of research and contributes to compliance with the EU Methane Regulation. In the long term, the project lays the foundations for adaptable sensor platforms in various fields of application, such as agriculture, air quality monitoring and industrial emissions control. PROMPT combines scientific excellence with industrial relevance and strengthens innovation capacity in sensor technology and AI.

Project duration: 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2029

Partners: Bayernwerk Netz GmbH – Regensburg, Globe Flight GmbH – Barbing, REWAG Regensburger Energie- und Wasserversorgung AG & Co KG – Regensburg, m-u-t GmbH – Wedel

Funding: €1.9 million (total)

Funding body: Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space

Project leader: Prof. Dr Matthias Ehrnsperger

Project duration: 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2027

Funding amount: 258 ,800.00 euros

Funding body: Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development

Project leaders: Prof. Dr Sonja Haug, Prof. Dr Petra Liedl, Prof. Dr Charlotte Thiel

Partners: GREENLINE Energiedesign / EA Berghamer Penzkofer GmbH & Co.KG – Regensburg | Kiefl + Rösch GmbH – Regensburg | Stadtbau-GmbH Regensburg | SVB Berghamer, SV for Energy Services and Contracting – Regen | TGA EnergieAgentur Berghamer + Penzkofer GmbH & Co. KG – Moosburg an der Isar

Follow this link tofind an article about the research project in our ‘Successfully Secured’ section.

Project duration: 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2026

Funding amount: 132 ,673.83 euros

Funding body: Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning

Project leader: Prof. Dr Markus Bresinsky

Partner: OberallgäuDistrict Office

Here you will find the LINK to our project description in the ‘Successfully secured’ section.

The infrastructure to be established aims to significantly advance research and development in the field of hydrogen mobility. To this end, test facilities will be built that are specifically tailored to the requirements of hydrogen systems. The planned large-scale test benches include an H2 internal combustion engine test bench for application-oriented research into hydrogen combustion processes and operating strategies, material stress and system optimisation, as well as an H₂ injection test bench for research into low-pressure intake manifold injectors, high-pressure direct injection injectors and system components. The test benches will enable research into the key principles for the standardised testing and approval of systems (H₂ internal combustion engines) and system components (for example, H₂ injection injectors), and the derivation of corresponding test procedures. In addition, optical H₂ measurement and diagnostic systems are planned.

Project duration: 1 December 2025 – 28 March 2030

Funding amount: 12 ,577,000 euros

Funding body: HydrogenInnovation and Technology Centre (ITZ) (Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport)

Project leader: Prof. Dr Hans-Peter Rabl

The aim of the project is to establish a European network to prepare a research proposal under the Horizon Europe programme – Cluster 6, Destination 2: ‘Equitable, healthy and environmentally friendly food systems’. The focus is on digital technologies for resilient, sustainable agricultural systems, in particular for maintaining soil and plant health. The aim is to strengthen the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the EU and to contribute to the Green Deal. In addition, a collaboration with Czech partners for a proposal under the Interreg BY-CZ programme is being considered. The aim of the planned research project is to develop a modular, AI-supported system for the early detection of water stress, nutrient deficiency and pest infestation. Various sensor systems will be used to record and analyse field conditions at high resolution, in order to provide farmers and other stakeholders with timely and precise recommendations for action. OTH Regensburg’s contribution will focus on the development of sensor technology and AI. To this end, the networking project proposed here aims to establish an interdisciplinary consortium comprising sensor technology/AI, agricultural and climate sciences, as well as social and economic sciences. The networking activities comprise four work packages: (1) Identification and approach of potential partners, (2) Participation in international specialist and brokerage events, (3) Organisation of two partner workshops at OTH, (4) Joint submission of a grant application. A research assistant (70%) will be appointed for this purpose. OTH Regensburg is one of the largest and most research-intensive universities of applied sciences in Bavaria and has extensive experience in EU projects. The proposed networking project contributes substantially to its internationalisation strategy and to its strategic focus on sustainability.

Project duration: 1 December 2025 – 30 November 2026

Funding amount: 74 ,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space

Project leader: Prof. Dr Matthias Ehrnsperger

HySEE aims to identify suitable areas for renewable hydrogen (H₂) production in Bulgaria and Romania by mapping renewable potential, production capacity, and current and future demand. The project supports the creation of a South-Eastern H₂ Corridor to supply Central Europe, including Germany, and enhances the implementation of national hydrogen strategies through in-depth analyses of regulatory frameworks, funding opportunities and workforce requirements. Findings will be translated into targeted recommendations for governments to enable a well-functioning H₂ market. By engaging stakeholders from across South-Eastern Europe (GR, HU, SK), HySEE fosters knowledge exchange, promotes acceptance of green H₂, and advances structured policy frameworks. Open data and access benefit science; evidence-based tools support policymakers; businesses gain market opportunities and reduced risks; and civil society benefits from green jobs, cleaner energy and climate protection.

Project duration: 1 December 2025 – 31 December 2027

Funding amount: 361 ,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

Project leader: Prof. Dr Michael Sterner

You can find more information about the project in our ‘Successfully Secured’ section.

In order to achieve climate policy targets, ‘hard-to-abate’ sectors must significantly reduce their CO₂ emissions. This applies in particular to the German cement industry, whose manufacturing process involves unavoidable CO₂ emissions. CO₂ flue gas capture is the only technological option here. Choosing the right adsorptive or absorptive CO₂ capture technology presents many challenges:

(1) The wide variety of trace components in cement plant flue gas requires bespoke treatment technologies. The project’s aim is to research and test adsorbents specifically designed for this application.

(2) The concentration of trace components can vary significantly, which makes consistent monitoring and treatment difficult. The project aims to build a better understanding of the interactions between flue gas composition, particle sizes and the components used in the materials. As part of the sub-project ‘Resistant Adsorbents for Flue Gas CO₂ Capture’, OTH Regensburg is designing a mobile container-based pilot plant in close collaboration with Linde. It will be operated in a cement plant as a side-stream using actual flue gas and will serve to pilot and demonstrate adsorptive CO₂ capture. In particular, the influence of relevant trace impurities on capture performance and the fate of these trace impurities under real-world conditions will be investigated during continuous, long-term operation. Accompanying investigations into the adsorption, conversion and degradation behaviour of the trace components on a laboratory scale are intended to build a deeper understanding of the complex structure-property relationships. Based on this data, process design parameters optimised for industrial implementation, criteria for assessing long-term stability, and development potential for innovative adsorbents with tailor-made properties in terms of increased resistance and optimised adsorption behaviour will be developed.

Project duration: 1 December 2025 – 30 November 2028

Collaborating partners: Linde GmbH – Pullach, Technical University of Munich

Funding amount: 3 ,315,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Project leader: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Philipp Keil

The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) poses significant challenges, particularly for SMEs. A lack of resources and unclear guidelines make implementation difficult. EASY.CRA offers a digital solution to provide practical support to SMEs and enable them to take a structured first step towards CRA compliance. At its heart is a user-friendly self-assessment tool that helps businesses assess their exposure to the CRA, identify requirements and receive targeted recommendations for action. This is complemented by an AI-based assistant that guides users through the process, provides explanations and assists with documentation. The process is divided into four phases: 1. Requirements analysis – identification of the relevant CRA requirements, existing standards and specific challenges facing SMEs. 2. Tool development – Creation of an interactive platform with clear user guidance, checklists and automated recommendations for action. 3. AI integration – Implementation of an assistant to provide personalised support and continuous optimisation based on user feedback. 4. Field testing and optimisation – Adaptation to business needs through collaborative projects with SMEs for practical validation. Knowledge transfer is a central component of EASY.CRA. The aim is not only to inform companies about the CRA, but also to actively support them in its implementation. Close collaboration with the target group ensures that the tool is developed in a practical manner. OTH Regensburg is responsible for the development and improvement of the tool and provides scientific oversight of its content. The integration of AI is also carried out by OTH Regensburg. To this end, the latest research findings are incorporated into the project to enhance the AI assistant using state-of-the-art technologies. In addition to development and scientific oversight, practical tests and knowledge transfer activities are also carried out.

Project duration: 1 December 2025 – 30 November 2028

Funding amount: 358 ,685.58 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Project leader: Sebastian Fischer

Further information on the research project is available here in our ‘Successfully Secured’ section.

The basic aim is to embed climate protection throughout the entire organisation at OTH Regensburg, ensuring that measures have an impact across all areas and are implemented by everyone in accordance with their roles. Certain organisational units play a particularly important role in this regard. The Buildings and Technology and Finance departments are key to the implementation process. The Buildings and Technology department carries out technical measures such as the installation of energy-efficient systems, whilst the Finance department develops guidelines for sustainable procurement and climate-friendly mobility (business travel). Through teaching and research, the faculties contribute significantly to the implementation of these measures by providing expert knowledge, developing innovative solutions for CO₂ reduction and putting these into practice. The Sustainability Unit initiates and coordinates the implementation of these measures and monitors their progress in order to achieve the sustainability targets. All measures are implemented exclusively at and for OTH Regensburg.

Project duration: 1 November 2025 – 31 October 2028

Funding amount: 278,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

Project leader: Prof. Dr Christoph Skornia

The aim of the ‘KLAR-DED’ research project is to develop a process for the post-processing and cleaning of temperature-control channels in additively manufactured injection moulding tools made from aluminium alloys. The innovative design of the channels enables temperature control of the mould cavities that closely follows their contours. However, due to the additive DED-Arc process, the channels exhibit high surface roughness and manufacturing-related residues, which are to be removed using the process to be developed in the project. This results in a need for defined localised material removal. In order to precisely control the electrochemical ablation process locally, the development of a special counter-electrode is required. Due to its small dimensions (< 0.8 mm), this so-called micro-SLM component must be suitable for additive manufacturing, be manufactured without supports (either without support structures or with support structures that are easy to remove) and be inserted into the temperature-control channel during the manufacturing process of the injection mould. The SLM additive manufacturing process must be further developed for use on micro-components.

Project duration: 1 November 2025 – 30 April 2028

Partners: Fit Production GmbH – Lupburg, Technical University

Funding amount: 220,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Project leader: Prof. Dr Ulf Noster

Hot caulking enables the creation of permanent, form- and force-fit joints between components. This is achieved by deforming a thermoplastic polymer pin under the influence of temperature and force using a thermode (forming die). Existing hot-staking processes do not allow for spatially and temporally controlled temperature distribution within the thermode. The new hot-staking process to be developed, utilising laser-based thermode heating, enables flexible adjustment of the temperature profiles for the respective plastic pin. The heating profiles are adjusted using laser-heated, simulation-designed multi-material thermodes. The ability to achieve faster and customised heating leads to a significant reduction in the process cycle times. Furthermore, the modular design of the laser-heated thermodes simplifies process control, as there is no need for space-consuming heating cables to the thermode. The laser-based heating process also enables the targeted heating of complex components made from materials that have previously been difficult to caulk, such as high-performance thermoplastics.

Project duration: 1 November 2025 – 31 October 2027

Cooperation partner: Hartmann Feinwerkbau GmbH – Ober-Mörlen

Funding amount: 220,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Project leader: Prof. Dr Tobias Laumer

The EndoPlan-3D project aims to develop an AI-supported, interactive 3D planning tool to optimise endoscopic procedures for early gastrointestinal neoplasms. This tool is designed to integrate white-light and endosonography images into an AI-based 3D model and assist surgeons in deciding on the optimal surgical strategy. The precise visualisation of tumour margins and deep invasion zones enables targeted planning of resection margins and the resection starting point. The scientific focus lies on the 3D reconstruction of tumours based on multimodal video data and the integration of digital twins of electrosurgical systems, which enable individualised planning. Interactive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) offer doctors a realistic, immersive understanding of the tumour structure and, through visual, tactile and acoustic feedback, support the safe identification of critical structures, tissue elasticity and deep-invading hotspots. Fly-through navigation enables a realistic view of the tumour lesion from various angles, whilst a textured 3D mesh provides detailed visualisation and in-depth analysis via virtual cross-sections. AI-assisted interaction reduces subjectivity in tumour assessment and enhances the accuracy of surgical planning. EndoPlan-3D thus makes a significant contribution to precise, AI-assisted surgery in gastroenterology and addresses fundamental research questions aimed at improving the pre-interventional assessment and treatment of tumours. Overall, the tool therefore contributes to increased patient safety and a sustainably improved quality of life.

Project duration: 1 November 2025 – 31 October 2029

Collaborating partners: Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH, Tübingen; University of Augsburg; Augsburg University Hospital

Funding amount: 472,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space

Project leader: Prof. Dr Christoph Palm

This collaborative project between EVS Elektronik and OTH Regensburg aims to develop a Wankel engine with an integrated ammonia cracker. This will, on the one hand, enable CO₂-free operation and, on the other, eliminate the need for a separate H₂ tank or external ammonia cracker, as the latter is already integrated into the pre-chamber. The planned markets are the construction machinery sector (construction machinery with power outputs between 10 kW and 50 kW) and the energy sector (stationary power generation).

Project duration: 1 October 2025 – 31 March 2028

Cooperation partner: EVS Elektronik GmbH – Untergriesbach

Funding amount: 280 ,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Project leader: Prof. Dr Hans-Peter Rabl

Quantum computers promise to solve certain complex problems far more efficiently than classical computers. However, most quantum-based methods known to date are based either on ‘heuristics’ – that is, approaches whose validity has not been rigorously proven mathematically – or offer only moderate advantages, which are quickly negated by error-correction protocols necessitated by quantum mechanics. There is therefore a risk that many quantum algorithms described in theory will not achieve any practical relevance. This project investigates whether real-world optimisation problems exist in logistics and mobility that possess sufficient mathematical structure to demonstrate a verifiable and substantial quantum advantage. To this end, the consortium brings together partners with expertise in the fields of theoretical (UzK) and applied (OTH) quantum computing, as well as Siemens AG, a leading industrial provider in the field of mobility. As both arguments from theoretical computer science and the experience of recent years suggest that it is not possible to achieve a demonstrable, substantial quantum advantage for generic combinatorial optimisation problems, the partners will specifically investigate use cases that exhibit a rich, ‘algebraically inspired’ structure. Proven quantum advantages based on such structures are known to exist in other fields (e.g. cryptanalysis). We will search for instances that are relevant to industrial applications.

Project duration: 1 October 2025 – 30 September 2028

Funding amount: 447 ,060.00 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space

Project leader: Wolfgang Mauerer

Aim of the collaborative project: The findings from quantum supremacy experiments, which demonstrate the enormous potential of quantum technology, are to be translated into practical, useful quantum computer systems. To this end, a suitable approach for the use of quantum generative models is being developed to realise quantum advantages in industrial applications. Classical methods reach their limits when dealing with high-dimensional problems, such as the generation of 3D designs, new molecules and product configurations. Innovation of this collaborative project The core of the innovation lies in the targeted integration of insights from supremacy experiments in quantum computing with the field of generative learning. Rather than focusing on the development of universal quantum circuits, the approach utilises specific classes of quantum circuits, such as IQP circuits, which, whilst trainable classically, are nevertheless capable of generating high-dimensional probability distributions. This reduces the demands on quantum hardware and opens up possibilities for exponential quantum acceleration in real-world scenarios. To this end, the Digitalisation Laboratory at OTH Regensburg is developing, as part of the sub-project described here, efficient training and sampling methods for quantum-generative models, including error-resilient estimators and sampling methods. Scaling analyses to validate the quantum advantage.

Project duration: 1 October 2025 – 30 September 2028

Funding amount: 530 ,448 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space

Project leader: Prof. Dr Mauerer

To ensure that the energy transition is implemented as cost-effectively and quickly as possible, grid operators must increasingly identify
and utilise flexibility options in order to reduce or delay the need for grid expansion. One approach to increasing flexibility is the use of dynamic grid tariffs. Here
, consumers are incentivised by dynamic price signals to respond – ideally automatically. However, the application of this flexibility option presents a number of
difficulties. Consumer responses cannot be predicted with certainty, meaning that this flexibility must initially be regarded as unreliable.
Consequently, it is not taken into account in grid planning and cannot therefore contribute to reducing the need for grid expansion. There is also the question of how
dynamic price signals can be set effectively by the network operator. The communication burden between the network operator and end customers also increases. The FlexNet Haßfurt project addresses these issues. In the practical part, an existing approach developed by Easy Smart Grid for deriving dynamic price signals from grid state variables is scaled up to a distribution network and applied to the grid area of Stadtwerk Haßfurt. The necessary communication is to be implemented via smart meter gateways. In the theoretical part, existing approaches to dynamic network tariffs are reviewed and consolidated into a final proposal for the implementation of dynamic network tariffs. Furthermore, guaranteed flexibility shares are to be derived from stochastic customer responses and thus made available for use in network planning. Another key aspect is the further development of coordination processes across network operators, so that flexibility is utilised at the point in the electricity grid where it can have the greatest impact. Regulatory considerations relating to this topic will also be addressed.

Project duration: 1 October 2025 – 30 September 2028

Cooperation partners: BVES – Bundesverband Energiespeicher Systeme e. V. –
(associated partner) – Berlin, Bayernwerk Netz GmbH (associated partner) – Regensburg,
Consolinno Energy GmbH – Regensburg, Easy Smart Grid GmbH – Karlsruhe, Institute for
Energietechnik GmbH – Amberg, SEtrade GmbH – associated partner – Munich, Stadtwerke
Haßfurt – Haßfurt, Foundation for Environmental Energy Law – Würzburg, University of Passau

Funding amount: 776 ,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Project lead: Prof. Dr Oliver Brückl

Quantum computers hold the promise of applications in solving computational problems that are beyond the capabilities of classical methods (Bayerstadler et al., 2021; Ladd et al., 2010). In recent years, quantum hardware has been developed that represents a step towards the realisation of intermediate-scale quantum devices (Ezratty, 2024; Gao et al., 2021; Shandilya et al., 2022; Strohm et al., 2024; Wintersperger et al., 2023). However, in order to eventually realise the potential of this emerging quantum hardware, fundamental research into method development is required (Preskill, 2018), as, just as in classical computing, value in quantum computing will also be created by software (Exman et al., 2024). This priority programme adopts an interdisciplinary approach, combining ideas from computer science, physics, mathematics and engineering into a concerted effort to develop methodological building blocks across the entire quantum software stack. The priority programme is rooted in concepts of quantum physics and driven by physical requirements. It aims to investigate and evaluate foundational concepts, methods and tools to facilitate the realisation of the aforementioned potential, and to overcome obstacles to the development of a full stack for quantum computing. Recent advances in quantum computing hardware technology suggest that quantum computers with a sufficiently large number of error-free qubits to represent and solve realistic problem instances are feasible. In classical computing, value is created by the software executed on the computing hardware. Thus, once the search for the most suitable quantum hardware technology has been completed, value creation in quantum computing will also stem from the software executed on the hardware. Whilst advances in quantum algorithms have been made over the last two decades (Bharti et al., 2022; Cerezo et al., 2021; Dalzell et al., 2023), these remain on a small scale, and programming languages for quantum computing today are low-level and largely vendor- and platform-specific (Heim et al., 2020). To scale, future quantum hardware needs to be integrated with classical and high-performance computing platforms (Elsharkawy et al., 2023). On these hybrid classical-quantum platforms, compilation, scheduling and execution are currently still largely tied to specific problem instances. Similarly, the design and calibration of quantum computing hardware are largely carried out manually. To realise the full potential of quantum computing, appropriate development and engineering principles are required at all levels of the quantum software stack. Most existing research programmes focus on building quantum hardware, whilst others aim to apply existing results to solve specific problems, for instance in finance, logistics or manufacturing (Bayerstadler et al., 2021). However, this leaves a gap in the advancement of methods and tools for quantum algorithms and software, as well as for quantum platform engineering. The main objective of the proposed priority programme is to develop foundational concepts, methods and tools in order to advance the state of the art in the development of quantum software and algorithms across all levels of the quantum software stack. To achieve this goal, we need a concerted effort to build an interdisciplinary research community dedicated to a methodological and systematic approach to quantum algorithms, software and systems engineering. This research community will be firmly grounded in a strong foundation in theoretical and experimental physics and quantum technology, whilst embracing principles of computer science and computer engineering. This priority programme brings together researchers from various disciplines, including computer science, physics, mathematics and engineering. This is essential given the highly interdisciplinary nature of quantum computing, which is rooted in both theoretical and experimental quantum physics and spans fields ranging from electrical engineering and systems design to software engineering and algorithmics. We need to start developing design and engineering concepts and methods for the quantum software stack now, so that we are ready when the quantum hardware platforms are ready. To ensure this priority programme has a clear focus, we explicitly exclude orthogonal fields within quantum technology, including (post-)quantum cryptography, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and the realisation and implementation of quantum hardware. The objective of this priority programme is to make scientific advances across the entire quantum software stack. This begins with the foundations of quantum algorithms and their roots in quantum physics, moving towards novel algorithmic concepts and strategies for error mitigation and correction. To describe and analyse such algorithms, quantum programming models with appropriate levels of abstraction are required, which also allow us to integrate hybrid quantum/classical computation. To execute quantum programmes on actual hardware platforms, compilation techniques and runtime infrastructures right down to the operating system are required. These must take into account the specific characteristics of hardware platforms and must integrate various forms of classical computation, ranging from controlling physical hardware to HPC components. Viewed from the other end, the development, design and engineering of hybrid quantum computing systems require support that includes hardware/software co-design and EDA (electronic design automation) principles. To evaluate the developed concepts, methods and tools, suitable verification and validation techniques for quantum software and systems that span the entire quantum computing stack are required.

Project duration: 1 September 2025 – 31 August 2028

Funding amount: 139 ,500.00 euros

Funding body: German Research Foundation (DFG)

Project leader: Wolfgang Mauerer

Project duration: 1 September 2025 – 31 August 2028

Cooperation partner: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

Funding amount: 351,000 euros

Funding body: German Research Foundation

Project leader: Prof. Dr Wolfgang Mauerer

With this project, we aim to capitalise on the opportunity offered by cross-border collaboration between the participating research groups from Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland, to deepen our cooperation in the field of vacuum nanoelectronics, to pool our activities and thereby raise our international profile, to secure greater European influence on decision-making within the scientific community, and to enhance the quality of the scientific research carried out by the participating partners through collaboration. All partners are working on topics that complement one another perfectly. The focus at OTH is on the development of field-emission electron sources. At WUST, the focus is on the realisation of micromechanical electron-optical systems in which the electron sources are utilised, whilst at ISI, scientific instruments based on these are being developed, e.g. for new applications in electron microscopy or electron beam lithography. The aim is to prepare joint proposals for the EU’s Horizon Europe framework programme or other European programmes relevant to research and innovation. The funding applied for here is intended to enable us to take the necessary steps to this end. During the first project phase, visits to our project partners in Poland and the Czech Republic, as well as exploratory visits to further potential cooperation partners (e.g. at the ISI in Slovenia and Croatia), are planned in order to form the consortium for the EU proposal. At the start of the second project phase, work on the actual EU project proposal will begin. The trips and activities planned here are primarily intended to coordinate the preparation of the proposal and to finalise and submit it to the EU by the end of Phase 2. A project assistant is required in both phases to support the project coordinator in preparing the application, as well as in drafting and submitting it.

Project duration: 1 May 2025 – 30 April 2027

Cooperation partners: Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno (ISI); Wrocław University of Science and Technology (WUST)

Funding amount: 83,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Project leader: Prof. Dr Rupert Schreiner

Hollow chambers in lightweight concrete blocks can result in significant material savings in masonry construction. For this reason, large-chamber blocks are now used in large quantities. However, the hole patterns have so far been designed solely to ensure efficient thermal insulation, rather than to maximise load-bearing capacity. Consequently, significantly more material is used than is necessary. The aim of the project is therefore to develop a new type of lightweight concrete block with an innovative hole pattern that offers maximum load-bearing capacity whilst also delivering, amongst other things, high thermal insulation values. In addition to the innovative block geometry itself, a new type of concrete material and a manufacturing process enabling three-dimensional perforation patterns are to be developed for this purpose. To design the new blocks, an innovative simulation method is to be developed that takes the perforation pattern of the individual block into account in the simulation of the masonry. Finally, the actual load-bearing capacity of the blocks is to be determined using a novel testing method, which is being designed for the first time on the basis of precise physical assumptions.

Project duration: 1 May 2025 – 30 April 2028

Cooperation partner: Rausch Therm-Stein GmbH – Nickenich

Funding amount: 220,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Project leader: Prof. Dr Detleff Schermer

Youcan find out more about the MaxTrag project in our ‘Successfully secured’ section.

The aim of the project is to validate a unique approach to characterising the molecular and cellular progression of individual DCCs during treatment using ‘multi-omics’ analyses, and to make this approach suitable for diagnostic purposes. The detection, isolation and physical quantitative separation of the transcriptome and genome of individual tumour cells are integrated into a single workflow. The UREG’s partner was recently able to demonstrate that EpCAM-positive tumour cells are highly relevant in terms of prognosis and are more important than cytokeratin-positive DCCs. It is significant here that, whilst EpCAM is significantly more specific in lymph nodes than in bone marrow, the most reliable method for unequivocal detection of tumour cells is via DNA analysis. In addition to an
innovative channel design for the serial separation, lysis and removal of separated ‘omics’ levels from single cells, another unique selling point of the project is the use of silicon technology. Its biological inertness confers a high level of biocompatibility on the platform. The rigid structure of the silicon enables rapid fluidic switching processes. A particularly noteworthy aspect of the platform design is the versatile use of active manipulation via dielectrophoresis in combination with passive, flow-based separation mechanisms. These factors represent a major distinguishing feature of the microfluidic concept; compared to the international state of the art, various efficient operating principles from microfluidics are utilised synergistically. All mechanical and electrical switching elements can be controlled via a simple and clearly structured computer application, with the target products being dispensed into standard microtitre plate formats. Finally, the cost-effective production of semiconductor components will support the platform’s rapid transition from a purely laboratory-based device to the clinical setting, as will direct validation in a clinical environment.

Project duration: 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2028

Collaborating partners: Fraunhofer ITEM-R – Regensburg, University of Regensburg

Funding amount: 815 ,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space

Project leaders: Prof. Dr Lars Krenkel, Prof. Dr Rupert Schreiner

The aim of our international collaborative project, INFASCOPE, is to investigate new experimental methods and measurement techniques for the spatially and temporally resolved detection of electrons from field-emission cathode arrays and FE electron sources. In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the emission properties of modern FE cathodes, particularly those arranged in an array, it is necessary to understand how the individual emitters on the cathode surface interact with one another and how they interact with residual gas molecules during operation in a vacuum. To do this, however, it must be known precisely which and how many emitters actually contribute to the emission current during operation, and how their emission properties change over time. For high emission currents, it is essential that the total emission is distributed uniformly across the surface of a field-emission cathode. In practice, however, it has been observed that even in highly precision-manufactured FE arrays, emission is concentrated on just a few dominant emitters, which then degrade prematurely. Even minor changes in the shape of a single emitter can significantly alter its emission current. Currently available experimental methods do not provide sufficient means of observing field emission arrays (FEAs) in operation to determine the homogeneity of emission or to investigate the influence of conditioning processes on emission homogeneity. New experimental methods are therefore required to investigate and understand the behaviour of modern FE cathodes, to improve their performance, and to develop improved theoretical models based on these experiments. We propose a new and easy-to-use approach that largely overcomes the drawbacks of conventional indirect electron detection methods (e.g. combinations of phosphor screens or scintillators with optical cameras). Instead of observing the luminescent phosphor screens with digital cameras, we aim to use the CMOS image sensor directly to measure the current distribution of FE arrays in situ. As the CMOS sensor is a semiconductor device that, in principle, generates and captures electrons within its structure to accumulate signals from specific sensors in a matrix, it appears possible to detect electrons directly from the electron beam. The greatest advantage of this new method is the high dynamic range combined with the adjustable exposure time. In particular, this should also enable spatially resolved detection of multiple emitting sites on a cathode, whose emission currents differ by several orders of magnitude, without this compromising real-time observation.

Project duration: 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2027

Funding amount: 389 ,865 euros

Funding body: German Research Foundation (DFG) – Bonn

Collaborators: Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno (ISI); Wrocław University of Science and Technology (WUST)

Project leader: Prof. Dr Rupert Schreiner

The ARTEMIS Alliance was established to develop a new form of deep, long-term, systemic and sustainable institutional collaboration between eight interdisciplinary higher education institutions in Europe. This alliance brings together four universities and four universities of applied sciences from different parts of Europe: from Western Europe (UCA, France; OTH Regensburg, Germany; VIVES, Belgium), Southern Europe (UoI, Greece; UniPG, Italy), Northern Europe (HVL, Norway) and Eastern Europe (OUC, Romania; TTK, Estonia). This reflects the diversity and richness of the European higher education area. ARTEMIS’s mission is to foster a sense of European citizenship amongst students and all other members of the academic community, reinforced by an internationally integrated campus. These efforts not only promote academic cooperation but also European integration by consolidating a shared European identity and European values through education. ARTEMIS is based on a cooperative model that involves academic and socio-economic partners, as well as the active participation of students, in joint educational and research initiatives. The Alliance aims to promote innovative approaches and strengthen social participation in order to tackle current and future challenges, particularly those relating to physical and virtual mobility. To support the core project objectives of the ARTEMIS Alliance, this project proposal outlines accompanying measures designed to accelerate the Alliance’s success and sustainably enhance its impact. The package of accompanying measures to support the ARTEMIS European University Alliance focuses on three pillars: the digitalisation of international university life, dialogue with society, and exchange and mobility. These measures are designed to strengthen the OTH’s international visibility and networking capabilities and to promote sustainable cooperation with partner universities. The accompanying measures will further drive forward digitalisation at the OTH. The aim is to integrate international students, staff and visitors from partner universities more closely into university life. To raise awareness of European issues and promote dialogue with society, various innovative formats are being established (e.g. podcasts). The mobility of academic, non-academic and funded staff is specifically promoted as part of the supporting measures in order to further intensify international networking and the exchange of knowledge. In addition to physical exchanges, the digital exchange of data is also actively supported. This includes cross-border IT infrastructures that facilitate seamless collaboration between partner universities. This not only enhances staff mobility but also promotes the exchange of knowledge and data, thereby ensuring sustainable cooperation beyond the funding period. The accompanying measures of the EUN mission support the overarching programme objectives of the ARTEMIS Alliance by specifically strengthening the European dimension of OTH and securing international cooperation in the long term. These measures enable the university to comprehensively expand and sustainably develop its internationalisation strategy. In doing so, OTH is pursuing a holistic and forward-looking development strategy that encompasses not only the expansion of English-taught degree programmes and the strengthening of global networks, but also the integration of international students and the optimisation of internal processes. This strategic focus enhances the university’s appeal at an international level and contributes to the sustainable strengthening of its role within the European Higher Education Area.

Project duration: 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2028

Funding amount: 560 ,110.00 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space

Project leaders: Ingo Ehrlich, Oliver Steffens

Using precise, detailed simulations based on the finite element method (FEM) for buildings (or parts thereof), the aim is to identify and quantify the physical effects relevant to energy efficiency and indoor climate, in order to develop extensions (plug-in modules) for the highly efficient, but significantly coarser compact models, such as those used in commercial software. These lead to improved results without a significant increase in the simulation time required. These more accurate, efficient building simulations for new and existing buildings are becoming an increasingly important tool in practice for CO₂-neutral building design. Commercial thermal building system simulation tools operate on the principle of the lumped-parameter method (LPM). These are compact models with a small number of nodes and greatly simplified elements (thermal resistances, storage masses, energy flow networks). The advantage of compact models (LPM models) is a very short simulation time compared to complex FEM models; however, this comes at the cost of reduced accuracy. Using more accurate FEM simulations for buildings (or parts thereof), it is possible to identify and quantify the physical effects relevant to energy performance and indoor climate. This allows various effects, such as radiation propagation, convection, airflow and moisture, to be investigated and evaluated in detail. These detailed models can be used to investigate building physics effects and building behaviour in order to quantify their practical relevance for building systems simulation. This ties in directly with the current state of research (see 5.1). The results of the FEM simulations are then to be consolidated into compact sub-models that can be integrated as plug-in modules into commercial building systems simulation software.

Project duration: 1 October 2024 – 30 March 2028

Funding amount: 243 ,811.70 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Construction

Project leader: Oliver Steffens

Implementation of an interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral (ambulatory–statutory–ambulatory), multimodal care pathway to improve the management of acute, specific lower back pain with radiculopathy. Definition of standard pathways to ensure a swift and efficient transition between sectors.

Project duration: 1 October 2024 – 31 March 2028

Partners: AOK Bayern, Nuremberg; Fichtelgebirge Municipal Hospital, Marktredwitz; Technical University of Munich, Munich

Funding amount: 1 ,070,000 euros

Funding body: Innovation Fund

Project leader: Prof. Dr Joachim Grifka

“Successfully secured”: Follow this link for further information on the research project.

Female professors are distinguished by their innovative and outstanding achievements in teaching, research and development. When female professors are publicly recognised as high achievers, they act as role models for other women and help foster broader acceptance of women’s careers; however, this increased visibility also brings with it greater exposure. This is where the project ‘Digital Hate – Digital Violence against Female Professors in Competitive Fields of Research’ comes into its own; it will empirically investigate the phenomenon of gender-specific digital violence against female professors in the fields of gender studies, migration studies and climate research, and contribute to the structural development of effective counter-strategies and support measures. The project aims to generate knowledge on a phenomenon that has hitherto received little scientific attention. In doing so, it seeks to raise awareness of the issue of gender-specific digital violence against female professors and foster an understanding of the problem. Support measures are to be further developed and improved, whilst universities and higher education institutions are to be supported in dealing with digital violence against female professors. The project aims to foster exchange and collaboration between various existing stakeholders. Female academics are to be empowered to defend themselves against digital attacks. In this way, the project will contribute in the long term to improving the conditions for women’s participation in science, research and innovation, and will promote equal opportunities. As the “Digital Hate” project combines issues from gender and communication research, this initiative is being carried out on an interdisciplinary basis by Prof. Dr Clarissa Rudolph (specialising in Gender Studies) and Prof. Dr Katherine Gürtler (specialising in digital communication).

Project duration: 1 October 2024 – 30 September 2027

Funding amount: 480 ,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Project leaders: Prof. Dr Katherine Gürtler,Prof. Dr Clarissa Rudolph

Project website: Digital Hate

You can also find more information about the project in our‘Successfully Funded’ section.

The aim is to design and develop prototype software for the automated compliance testing of electronic components against DIN standards for ESD and personal protection. The compliance testing system operates on CAD files and can therefore be used early in the development process to identify potential non-compliance issues. This allows the number of manual compliance checks required and the associated costs (prototype production and testing procedures) to be significantly reduced. To achieve this, an envelope of the positions accessible from the outside is calculated on the basis of the CAD input data. Based on this envelope, potential non-compliance with standards can then be calculated. To facilitate easy adaptation of the components, proposals for the minimum necessary modifications are generated. To ensure that the actual product complies with the standards, manufacturing-related tolerances are also incorporated into the standards compliance check. To ensure that the standard compliance check runs within a reasonable timeframe, even for complex CAD models, the prototype is analysed and optimised for runtime. A GPU version of the software is also being evaluated for this purpose.

Project duration: 1 September 2024 – 28 February 2027

Funding amount: 220 ,000.00 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Project lead: Kai Selgrad

The REACH project is developing smart glasses equipped with various sensors and light sources, in particular a high-resolution camera and a movable laser pointer. The camera feed is transmitted via the internet to another person who, much like in a video conference, can communicate with the wearer and assist them. Thanks to the integrated laser pointer and the integrated eye-tracking system, the REACH glasses allow objects to be highlighted within the camera’s field of view, in both directions of communication: This assistant can, for example, move the laser pointer with a click of the mouse to point at real-world objects within the wearer’s field of view. In turn, the eye-tracking sensors track the wearer’s line of sight. This enables the assistant to see on the screen which object the wearer is currently looking at. There are various fields of application for this innovative type of glasses, for example for service technicians who can be supported remotely by specially trained staff.

Project duration: 1 August 2024 – 31 July 2027

Partners: Optomech GmbH – Göttingen, WaveEye UG – Mintraching

Funding amount: 220 ,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Project leader: Prof. Dr Jürgen Mottok

Youcan find further information about the project in our ‘Successfully Secured’ section.

The aim of the project is to provide scientific support for the H2Global instrument during the initial call-for-proposals phases. In this context, OTH Regensburg is focusing primarily on technical and environmental issues. One of the main objectives is to develop a model for the demand side of hydrogen and PtX products in Germany and Europe, in order to determine very precisely the medium-term demand during the transition phase for individual industrial sectors and H2/PtX pathways. The integration of the supply and demand sides, based on the models developed by OTH and FAU, is being carried out in close collaboration and represents a key component of the project. The resulting model will provide a framework for analysing and evaluating the theoretical double auctions. Based on this, a comparison of real and modelled auction results will be carried out in order to derive robust parameters for the further development of H2Global. A further key objective of OTH Regensburg is to identify environmental factors and use these as a tool for classifying potential hydrogen partnerships. The environmental indicators derived from this are then weighed against other factors (e.g. local resources) and translated into criteria for the potential design of auctions. Furthermore, OTH Regensburg is intensively engaged in the ongoing analysis of parallel instruments, the assessment of their effectiveness, and the identification of potential market gaps, with the aim of incorporating the resulting findings into recommendations for action regarding possible further developments of the H2Global instrument. This is accompanied by efforts on the application side to ensure a comprehensive transfer of knowledge (e.g. through workshops, working papers and position papers) as well as the training and further education of academic staff.

Project duration: 1 August 2024 – 31 July 2027

Cooperation partners: H2Global Foundation , Hamburg; University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Nuremberg Campus

Funding amount: 975 ,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Project leader: Prof. Dr Michael Sterner

Youcan find further information about the project in our ‘Successfully Secured’ section.

The project focuses on innovative strategies for integrated electric drive systems with a low-voltage, safe-to-touch power supply (48 V) and high continuous power output. Each of the four partners contributes specific expertise to develop an integrated 48 V drive that, with a continuous power output of >30 kW, significantly exceeds the state of the art: a multiphase synchronous machine, combined with integrated power electronics and an integrated mechanical-thermal-electrical design of actively cooled busbar components, and innovative PWM control strategies to make the best possible use of the efficiency benefits of the multiphase topology. By combining these approaches – which have never before been implemented together in this way or optimised for their combined effect – the aim is to overcome the difficulties that have so far prevented the power scaling of 48 V drives.
The development addresses a clear market need for more powerful and cost-effective 48 V drives, particularly for the electrification of vehicles and equipment where ease of access, reparability and safe maintenance without the need for specialist personnel are crucial factors.

Project duration: 1 July 2024 – 31 December 2026

Funding amount: 220 ,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Project leader: Prof. Dr Bernhard Hopfensperger

A very common process in 3D printing is Fused Layer Modelling (FLM). In this process, thermoplastic filaments are melted by an extruder and deposited layer by layer to form the desired component shape. However, the surface onto which the plastic is deposited has already cooled down before a new, hot strand is applied. The thermal mass of the new strand is insufficient to reheat the cooled surface, meaning that adequate bonding cannot be guaranteed and, consequently, there is insufficient layer adhesion. The strength and elongation at break in the build direction are therefore significantly lower than in the build plane. This is a major weakness of the FLM process. The aim is to develop an FLM process with integrated laser preheating. Using fibre-coupled diode lasers in conjunction with micro-optics, a multidirectional optical module is being developed which selectively heats specific areas of the component. Preheating the component surface prior to filament deposition raises the temperature level, thereby improving the interdiffusion of the macromolecules. This results in improved welding and layer adhesion.

Project duration: 1 June 2024 – 30 June 2028

Cooperation partner: Ingenieurbüro Christian Reil CR-3D

Funding amount: 220,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

Project leader: Prof. Dr Stefan Hierl

Further information on this research project can be found here under our ‘Successfully Secured’ section.

The hydrogen economy plays a key role in the transformation of the energy supply. At present, the vast majority of hydrogen comes from fossil sources, whilst a small proportion is produced via electrolysis, a process that requires significant amounts of energy. H₂ production from biogenic residues – and, in particular, microbial dark fermentation – offers great potential. The project aims to develop a continuous fermentation process for the production of bio-hydrogen from organic residues using hyperthermophilic microorganisms. A parallelised anaerobic screening system is being developed for the screening of substrates and strains; like the control of the fermenter, this is based on model-supported gas quality sensor technology. Furthermore, holistic utilisation concepts are to be established for key waste streams, including the material or energy recovery of fermentation residues. Following completion of the project, commercialisation is planned through the sale of plant equipment, services and licences.

Project duration: 1 April 2024 – 31 December 2026

Cooperation partner: Hyperthermics Regensburg GmbH

Funding amount: 220 ,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Project leader: Prof. Dr Hans-Peter Rabl

Prominent tones often contribute to the disruptive and annoying nature of traffic, environmental and machinery noise. When developing product noise, too, an assessment of tonal components is very important for noise quality and acceptability. Particularly due to increasing electrification, including in the automotive sector, we can expect to see more tonal noises and their superposition. A better instrumental assessment of tonal noises is necessary in order to identify negative noise effects at an early stage in development and to implement acoustic measures to reduce them. The aim is to validate research findings on predicting the acoustic quality of technical noises and to make them usable and accessible for practical application. The complex noise spectra of electrified vehicles serve as a key application for this validation. At the University of Oldenburg (UOL), algorithms for the ‘tonality’ (TP1) of complex noises were developed on the basis of models from auditory research; these also function for non-stationary noises. In collaboration with OTH Regensburg (OTHR), a model was developed that can predict the ‘perception of dissonance’ (TP2) when several tones interact. With the help of these algorithms, acoustic quality can be predicted accurately using an objective measure, and, once validated, this provides a previously unavailable but essential tool for acoustic development. The innovation lies in enabling reliable predictions for complex, tone-based noise spectra and making the time and cost involved in the acoustic development process more efficient. The project aims to fine-tune further free parameters within the algorithms in order to realise the full potential of the analyses. In addition to comprehensive validation, the model output is also to be adapted so that the numerical and graphical results can be intuitively understood and easily utilised by future users.

Project duration: 1 March 2024 – 28 February 2027

Cooperation partner: University of Oldenburg

Associated partners: Mercedes-Benz AG, Sindelfingen; Robert Bosch GmbH, Reutlingen; Valeo eAutomotive Germany GmbH, Erlangen; Vitesco Technologies GmbH, Regensburg; Volvo Car Corporation, Gothenburg

Funding amount: 382,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Project leader: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hans-Peter Rabl

The STEP sub-project will analyse the production of e-kerosene – as carried out in the Power-to-Fuels demonstrator of the P2X project – from a site-specific perspective in terms of technology, environmental impact and economics. The overarching objective of this sub-project is to identify potential sites, investigate the local conditions there, and analyse the resulting technological, economic and environmental factors for the defined PtX value chains (e-kerosene and by-products). A sub-objective here is to develop various concepts for the production of e-kerosene and the by-products generated in the process. Furthermore, both the current and future framework conditions at the sites (full-load hours, CO₂ sources, etc.) and within the energy system in general (PtX demand in the various sectors, climate targets, etc.) are to be examined. To this end, the results of the energy system modelling from the second funding phase will be utilised, amongst other things. The ultimate aim is to carry out a comparative assessment of the PtX value chains depending on the various concepts and sites, and to identify the options offering the greatest economic and/or environmental benefits. Finally, support will be provided for the preparation of the SOAB final publication, which will incorporate all the work carried out within the sub-project. Together with the results of the other sub-projects (LCA, TÖA, etc.), this will provide a comprehensive picture of the PtX value chains.

Project duration: 1 February 2024 – 31 January 2027

Cooperation partners: Aveera UG, Nuremberg; DECHEMA Society for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology e. V., Frankfurt; German Aerospace Centre e. V., Cologne; GE Aviation Advanced Technology, Garching near Munich; Hessen Trade & Invest GmbH, Wiesbaden; INERATEC GmbH, Karlsruhe; Institute for Future Energy and Material Flow Systems gGmbH, Saarbrücken; Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT); Provadis School of International Management, Frankfurt (Private University of Applied Sciences); WWF Germany, Berlin

Funding amount: 306 ,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Project leader: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Sterner

Find out more about the project in our ‘Successfully Secured’ section.

The Collaborative Research Centre TRR 277 Additive Manufacturing in Construction (TRR 277 AMC) at the Technical University of Braunschweig (TUBS) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) conducts interdisciplinary research across materials and processes into the fundamentals of additive manufacturing for the construction industry. In contrast to industrial mass production, where large numbers of identical components are manufactured in successive process steps, additive manufacturing produces the component in a continuous, digitally controlled 3D printing process without the need for prior mould making. This reduces the number of process steps and opens up new possibilities for the customised and shape-optimised design of components and load-bearing structures. TRR 277 AMC thus combines the requirements of automation and customisation in the construction industry. Furthermore, AMC technologies enable a paradigm shift in structural design: shape optimisation and functional integration are no longer limited by mould-making, but can be achieved in accordance with technical requirements using a minimum of resources. In the construction sector, additive manufacturing technologies have the potential to combine environmental sustainability with economic efficiency and to point the way to new methods of building in the future.
The research carried out by TRR 277 AMC focuses on fundamental investigations into innovative additive manufacturing technologies using various combinations of materials and processes. This fundamental research is based on a novel, integrative research approach in which structural design, materials technologies and manufacturing processes are regarded as inseparable, digitally interconnected units and are investigated in a coherent manner. In addition, the interfaces between the various AMC technologies and the preceding planning environments and subsequent construction sites are being investigated.

Project duration: 1 January 2024 – 31 December 2027

Cooperation partners: Technical University of Munich, Technical University of Berlin, Technical University of Braunschweig, Technical University of Chemnitz-Zwickau, University of Hanover

Funding amount: 373 ,000 euros

Funding body: German Research Foundation

Project leader: Prof. Dr Charlotte Thiel

Further information on the project can be found via this link in our ‘Successfully Secured’ section.

The collaborative project “DiForIT – Digital Forensics Readiness and IT Security for Automated and Connected Mobility” focuses on researching a forensic process chain that can be used for applications in the field of automated and connected mobility on roads. The process chain differs from existing technologies in that it comprises various consecutive phases – ranging from the examination of threat analyses and penetration tests to the demonstrative implementation of the entire forensic process chain. Initial research activities involve the investigation of threat analyses and penetration tests for autonomous vehicles. A key focus here is on taking into account side-channel data, which is obtained through observation and can be used to identify security vulnerabilities and potential points of attack. Another aspect involves the analysis of the various communication interfaces and networks in automated vehicles. In the next step, data relevant to the forensic evaluation is analysed and assessed. The first step is to determine what data can be collected and stored in automated vehicles. This is followed by an assessment of this data in terms of its relevance to forensic analysis, taking into account both technical aspects and the legal and regulatory framework. The final step involves the development of effective recording systems and processes for collecting relevant data, and the resulting forensic analysis. Issues relating to data security, data protection and data integrity play an important role in this process.

Project duration: 1 January 2024 – 31 December 2026

Partners: CSTx Software Engineering GmbH, Braunschweig; LEHMANN + PIONEERS DIGITAL GMBH, Leinfelden-Echterdingen; ZITiS – Munich; asvin GmbH – Stuttgart; itemis AG – Lünen

Funding amount: 597 ,000 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Project lead: Prof. Dr Rudolf Hackenberg

Magnetosensitive surfaces (MSO) have recently attracted the attention of researchers as they offer a remotely controlled, non-destructive and real-time (dynamic) approach to the controlled manipulation of non-magnetic liquids. Future technological applications range from droplet-based microfluidics, microreactors and liquid dispensers to mist collection, etc. To date, the dynamic wetting behaviour of MSOs has remained outside the scope of research. This project aims to investigate the potential of MSOs based on soft, magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) in order to understand and tailor their wetting properties and droplet ejection. MAEs are composite materials consisting of ferromagnetic particles in the micro- and
nanometre range, embedded in a flexible polymer matrix (in our case, polydimethylsiloxane). We plan to i) investigate the
magnetic-field-based control of wetting and droplet ejection on unstructured MAE surfaces (MOF) at
and ii) investigate the magnetic-field-based control of wetting and droplet ejection on microstructured MOF at
. i) Applying a magnetic field of several hundred mT perpendicular to the MOF leads to an increase (switch) in the dynamic shear modulus
by several orders of magnitude and to a significant increase in surface roughness. Furthermore,
the magnetic-field-induced plasticity effect of MAEs enables subsequent smoothing or even modulation of the roughness of the MAE surface at the micrometre scale. This makes MAEs promising candidates for the separate investigation of
the effects of surface topography and mechanical properties on the switching of wetting properties.

Project duration: 1 January 2024 – 30 April 2027

Funding amount: 273,000 euros

Funding body: German Research Foundation

Project leader: Prof. Dr Mikhail Chamonine

Robots are usually made of steel, do not wear velvet gloves and can therefore injure people or damage objects. When attempting to handle delicate items such as unpackaged fruit, vegetables or meat with a robotic arm, so-called ‘soft grippers’ are therefore required; these are manufactured by the micro-enterprise Wegard GmbH in Hamburg. These soft grippers have proved their worth, but Wegard is constantly striving to improve the performance of its grippers to meet its customers’ needs. This project focuses on improving gripping performance in applications with very short cycle times, where high-performance robots with very high accelerations are used. The basis for these improvements is so-called magnetoactive elastomers (MAE), which consist of micrometre-sized iron particles embedded in a soft rubber compound. These novel composite materials have a remarkable property: their stiffness can be significantly altered by applying a magnetic field. In this sub-project, OTH Regensburg is conducting fundamental research into the magnetomechanical properties of MAEs and the necessary magnetic circuits.

Project duration: 1 October 2023 – 31 December 2026

Cooperation partner: Wegard GmbH, Hamburg

Funding amount: 361 ,740 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

Project leader: Prof. Dr Mikhail Chamonine

The overarching aim of the Burghausen / ChemDelta Bavaria H2 Real-World Laboratory is to transform the industrial chemical value chain towards a sustainable hydrogen-based chemical industry. As part of the Burghausen / ChemDelta Bavaria H2 Real-World Laboratory, the climate-neutral transformation of the chemical industry into a future hydrogen economy is being investigated on-site under real-world conditions. The aim of the H2 Real-World Laboratory is to use the unique collaboration between academic and industrial partners, as well as the prominent role of the Bavarian Chemical Triangle, to gain insights into the transformation processes that are of macroeconomic significance for Germany as a chemical industry hub and that strengthen global technological market leadership. The objective of the sub-project “KASil: Carbon dioxide capture using silica-based adsorbents” within the H2 Real-World Laboratory Burghausen / ChemDelta Bavaria is to develop and commission a pilot plant for a CO₂ capture process that utilises silica as an adsorbent. Due to the improved cost structure of the overall process and the long service life of the adsorbents, significant cost advantages over established processes are expected, which will enable a large-scale CCU/CCS process. In addition, the applicant’s expertise as the world’s largest manufacturer of pyrogenic silicic acids will be utilised to optimise these materials for the process.

Project duration: 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2027

Cooperation partners: Reallabor Burghausen – ChemDelta Bavaria gGmbH, Burghausen; Technical University of Munich, Munich; Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences, Rosenheim; FfE Research Centre for Energy Economics e.V., Munich; Bauhaus Luftfahrt e.V., Taufkirchen; InfraServ GmbH & Co. Gendorf KG, Burgkirchen a.d.Alz; Westlake Vinnolit GmbH & Co. GmbH, Ismaning; Wacker Chemie AG, Munich; Südbayerisches Portland-Zementwerk Gebrüder Wiesböck & Co. GmbH, Rohrdorf; Freudenberg Fuel Cell e-Power Systems GmbH, Munich; Modis GmbH, Düsseldorf; PlasmaAir AG Oxidative Exhaust Gas Treatment and Plasma Systems, Weil der Stadt; Dyneon GmbH, Burgkirchen a.d.Alz; Kraftanlagen Energies & Services GmbH, Munich; CASCAT GmbH, Straubing; ESy-Labs GmbH, Regensburg; Reverion GmbH, Eresing; Landwärme GmbH, Munich; Carbon CO2ncepts GmbH, Munich

Funding amount: 859 ,700 euros

Funding body: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

Project leader: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Philipp Keil

The “ZAP.OTHR – Future of Academic Staff” at the East Bavarian University of Applied Sciences Regensburg (OTH Regensburg) aims to ensure the recruitment and retention of outstanding professors for the university, thereby making an important contribution to the performance and quality of teaching and research at OTH Regensburg. The overall project comprises several sub-projects based on the pillars of ‘perception as an employer’ and ‘recruitment and training’, which address various relevant stages along the career path to a professorship.

To enhance OTH Regensburg’s reputation as an attractive employer, a target-group-specific communication strategy is being developed, accompanied by an evaluation of career pathways leading to a professorship at a university of applied sciences. Furthermore, the advertisement of research professorships is intended to tap into a new target group.

In the area of recruitment, suitable candidates will be sought out in a targeted manner and a networking platform with individuals in industry will be established. Furthermore, efforts to support the university’s own early-career researchers will be stepped up. In the area of professional development, a university-wide onboarding programme is being established to complement the faculty’s internal onboarding process, with the aim of integrating new professors across faculties at OTH Regensburg and providing opportunities for networking. For established professors, ‘profile professorships’ are being created to enable them to further refine their own academic profiles. In addition, a cross-faculty programme for professional development is being established.

The implementation of this initiative is supported by the establishment of staff development as a strategic cross-cutting theme for the entire university, as well as the adoption of strategic objectives by the extended university management team. This ensures that the topic is closely integrated into the university’s development process.

Further information on the project can be found here.

Project duration: 1 July 2021 – 30 June 2027

Funding amount: €4 .03 million

Funding body: Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Project leader: Prof. Dr Carina Braun

Artificial intelligence has already achieved remarkable successes in surgical computer vision. However, current systems still struggle to understand the temporal logic and clinical intent of complex procedures. In particular, the recognition of surgical workflows is hampered by visual artefacts such as blood, smoke and motion blur, as well as by limited generalisability across different surgical procedures.

MusteR-FM addresses these challenges by developing the first unified multimodal foundation model for laparoscopic surgery and therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy. The model jointly encodes spatio-temporal image information, procedural semantics, the progress of the procedure, and visibility-dependent uncertainties within a single representation. This enables it to predict upcoming surgical steps and remain robust even under real-world conditions in the operating theatre.

The approach utilises weakly supervised vision-language alignment and predictive temporal reasoning, and is trained on clinically curated video datasets already available from previous collaborations. In the first phase of the project, the multimodal base architecture will be developed, methods for predicting transitions between surgical steps will be introduced, and methods for assessing robustness will be established. Furthermore, transparent dissemination of the results will be ensured, taking into account the requirements of the GDPR and the EU AI Act.

MusteR-FM creates a reusable foundation for a wide range of surgical assistance applications and strengthens Bavaria’s role in the field of clinically relevant, accessible and multimodal AI technologies.

Project duration: 1 August 2026 – 31 October 2027

Funding body: Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts

Funding amount: 97 ,700.00 euros

Collaborators: Technical University of Munich – associated partner | Augsburg University Hospital – associated partner

Project leader: Christoph Palm

Project duration: 1 April 2026 – 31 December 2028

Funding amount: 300 ,000.00 euros

Funding body: City of Regensburg

Partners: City of Regensburg

Project lead: Prof. Dr Ina Schildbach

Further information on the 2028 Poverty Report can be found here.

Project duration: 1 December 2025 – 31 December 2026

Funding amount: 120,230.09 euros

Funding body: Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labour and Social Affairs

Project leader: Mehmet Kart

Follow this link to read an article about the research project in our ‘Successfully Secured’ section

The FOKUS project aims to develop an intelligent, AI-powered platform for the collection, analysis and utilisation of cyber threat intelligence (CTI). By combining cybersecurity knowledge graphs (CSKGs) and large language models (LLMs), FOKUS enables dynamic and organisation-specific threat assessment. The platform addresses all phases of a cyber attack – prevention, detection, response and attribution –
and integrates automated security measures into existing IT security infrastructures. In addition, FOKUS also supports the secure and anonymised sharing of threat intelligence through privacy-preserving information sharing. The technologies developed are intended to help businesses and public authorities detect cyberattacks at an early stage, defend against them effectively and become more resilient to new threats in the long term.

Project duration: 1 November 2025 – 31 October 2028

Cooperation partners: asvin GmbH – Stuttgart, iSecNG GmbH – Dortmund

Funding amount: 591,000 euros

Funding body: Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy

Project leader: Prof. Dr Rudolf Hackenberg

You can find the report on this project from the ‘Successfully Secured’ serieshere.

The GEOKIT project aims to improve efficiency in the design and planning of geotechnical structures through the use of innovative AI technologies. The complexity of the planning processes is compounded by numerous technical, economic and legal factors, such as heterogeneous ground conditions, neighbouring developments and a wide range of possible construction methods. A multi-modal AI system is being developed that utilises machine learning and simulations on a digital structural model to analyse the interaction between the ground and the structure and to enable multi-objective optimisation of design variants. The solution integrates and links heterogeneous data sources such as geotechnical reports, digital terrain models and structural data to create a well-founded and standardised basis for decision-making. This improves planning accuracy, promotes knowledge transfer, reduces ground conditions risk and thereby enhances the project’s cost-effectiveness. The result is a forward-looking approach to the planning and implementation of geotechnical structures.

Project duration: 1 October 2025 – 30 September 2027

Funding amount: 105 ,000.00 euros

Funding body: Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy

Project manager: Mathias Obergrießer

The construction industry currently uses AI algorithms predominantly for forward-looking predictions or data mining, whilst neglecting the integration of simulation concepts and production processes. For system-critical, long-span infrastructure structures, such as energy transmission lines, there is a lack of generative and collaborative AI approaches that could be used to improve the quality of project planning and costing whilst minimising risks. The significant potential currently available for resource planning on linear construction sites – which stems from a large number of road construction projects actually implemented in the past – remains untapped. The software developed in this project for the computer-aided resource planning of very large linear construction sites pursues four main objectives: (a) to overcome current shortcomings by deriving a domain-agnostic design method for roadways and resource planning using domain-informed generative artificial intelligence (AI), thereby enabling further development and optimisation of resource planning; (b) Developing and implementing a collaborative software tool, ‘KIREL’, based on a generic approach using selected case studies; (c) conducting numerical investigations into the usability and acceptance of the digital tool; and (d) ensuring its commercial application in engineering practice.

Project duration: 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2027

Funding amount: 123 ,000.00 euros

Funding body: Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy

Project leader: Mathias Obergrießer

Bureaucratic procedures in regulatory enforcement, monitoring or certification rarely follow efficient, digitised processes. Dozens of times a year, companies in the Bavarian economy have to extract, structure and reformulate information, upload it to reporting portals or send it by email. Solution: Audit processes are automated using AI – from requesting information from companies, through provision, categorisation and processing, to explainable decision-making and reporting. AI-based image, document and text processing is used to extract key information, validate data and integrate it as a data standard. Communication is pre-formulated in a context-dependent manner using a large language model. The resulting software components are modular, secure and flexible. The methods developed through this research will be made available to drive efficiency gains in the private sector, public administration and audit-related industries.

Project duration: 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2028

Funding amount: 487 ,118.41 euros

Funding body: Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy

Project leader: Jürgen Frikel

In future, modern mobile devices (smartphones, smartwatches, etc.) are set to be fitted with optical proximity sensors behind the display, which will be used for display control, advanced gesture control or autofocus. Unlike the previous placement in a display cut-out, ‘behind-OLED’ sensor technology requires exceptionally high sensitivity, and it must be ensured that display operation is not disrupted. As part of the project, a sensor concept is to be investigated that goes beyond conventional silicon detector technology and enables the highest possible signal-to-noise ratio. The project’s objective is the conceptual development and demonstration of such a sensor, the development of the necessary time- and spectrally-resolved measurement technology, and the metrological assurance that the display will not be affected in any way perceptible to the naked eye.

Project duration: 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2028

Funding amount: 559 ,000 euros

Funding body: Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy

Project leaders: Prof. Dr Rudolf Bierl, Prof. Dr Matthias Ehrnsperger, Prof. Dr Johannes Wild

The SimUP research project is developing a methodology for planning changeover and start-up processes in production systems. The methodology is intended to improve the quality of planning and thereby reduce the duration of changeover processes and the associated downtime. The methodology guides the planner through the process and integrates simulation tools and artificial intelligence methods. The project addresses the current and future challenges facing manufacturing companies. Due to shorter product life cycles, changes in production technologies and a growing shortage of skilled workers, these companies must optimise their production systems, which leads to changeovers and adjustments. In many cases, delivery capacity must be maintained during the changeover and start-up phases. Due to the numerous interdependencies in the changeover process, planning presents a particular challenge that necessitates the use of specialised planning methodologies and tools.

Project duration: 1 February 2025 – 31 January 2028

Funding amount: 301 ,051.34 euros

Funding body: Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy

Project manager: Stefan Galka

The aim of the research project is to develop a hybrid AI approach to generative data storytelling for the field of auditing. The central research question centres on the development of AI-supported methods for the automated generation of data stories by combining large language models with domain knowledge and interactive machine learning. In doing so, we are pursuing an innovative strategy that encompasses both collaborative interaction between humans and AI and the autonomous generation of data stories. At the heart of this approach lies the ability to create coherent, informative and engaging narratives from extensive datasets and domain knowledge, which appeal to subject matter experts and end-users, thereby making complex data analyses widely accessible and understandable. Through this project, we aim to sustainably improve the efficiency and quality of auditing.

Project duration: 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2027

Funding amount: 303 ,732.50 euros

Funding body: Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy

Partners: dab : Daten – Analysen & Beratung GmbH – Deggendorf | Rödl & Partner (R&P) – Nuremberg

Project manager: Stephan Scheele

The main objective of “High-tech x Social Economy Bavaria” is to build a strategic bridge between the key future issue of digitalisation and the social economy, in order to develop sustainable and innovative solutions to the challenges facing Bavaria and to provide impetus for their sustainable implementation. Furthermore, the initiative aims to provide political stakeholders with impetus for forward-looking social and economic policy. “Hightech x Sozialwirtschaft Bayern” seeks to gain a comprehensive understanding of the needs, challenges and opportunities within the social economy through in-depth interviews and an agile development process. The insights gained will form the basis for identifying and making targeted use of innovative technologies and methods, as well as for developing a roadmap. The aim of “High-tech x Social Economy Bavaria” is to draw up concrete recommendations for action for policy-makers, economic and academic stakeholders, and social organisations. By involving all relevant stakeholders and adopting an agile approach, the project ensures that the results offer practical and actionable solutions tailored to the current and future needs of society in Bavaria, whilst also identifying potential opportunities for start-ups.

Project duration: 1 October 2024 – 28 February 2027

Funding amount: 175 ,000.00 euros

Funding body: Free State of Bavaria

Project leader: Michael Garkisch

The two partners in this project have been working for several years in the same scientific field of magnetoactive (or magnetorheological) elastomers
(MAEs) within the context of materials science, mechatronics and, more recently, soft robotics and fluidics.Both partners have built up significant expertise and recognition in the field of MAEs, albeit with complementary methodological focuses: Whilst the specific strengths of Tomáš Baťa University (TBU) in Zlín lie in the chemical synthesis and the physico-chemical processing and conditioning of magnetoactive elastomers, their constituent components and surfaces, research at OTH Regensburg has focused on investigating the physical properties of these materials and surfaces as a function of the external magnetic field. The proposed project offers an exceptional opportunity to establish a fruitful and sustainable collaboration between the two groups and to pool their expertise, thereby enabling new scientific approaches and findings by expanding their respective capabilities in the production and investigation of new materials and surface structures.

The complementary expertise in a shared area of scientific interest, together with links to an active European network involving industry, provide the best possible conditions for developing this bilateral project into a long-term partnership characterised by ongoing collaboration through national and European research projects.

At the heart of this collaboration will be a pilot project dedicated to magnetoactive elastomer surfaces and their interaction with liquids (water and oils).

Project duration: 1 July 2024 – 31 December 2026

Cooperation partner: Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín – Zlín

Funding amount: 215,000 euros

Funding body: Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts

Project leader: Prof. Dr Mikhail Chamonine

The ASCEND project aims to investigate the possibilities for active side-lobe suppression using CMUT arrays and beamforming functionality. Both the CMUT design and new beamforming algorithms will be evaluated. The design of the CMUTs for various applications will be supported by a holistic simulation tool to be developed. In addition to air- and liquid-based applications such as spirometry and rheology, areas of application involving solid media will also be tested. Appropriate technology demonstrators are to be developed for each of the intended applications.

Project duration: 1 June 2024 – 31 May 2027

Funding amount: 600 ,000 euros

Funding body: Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy

Sub-project leader: Prof. Dr Rudolf Bierl

You can find more information about the project in our‘Successfully Secured’ section.

The aim of the project is to develop a recycling process in which the off-cuts from thermoplastic-based fibre-reinforced semi-finished products, known as ‘organic sheets’, are processed into a short-fibre-reinforced filament, which is then fed back into the processand extruded, thereby reducing the costs of short-fibre-reinforced Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) filaments and enabling the entire organo-sheet to be utilised, thus avoiding costly disposal. In the first step, the offcuts are shredded to a predefined size. These offcuts are then to be processed into a filament using an extruder and, where necessary, with the addition of virgin granulate. To assess the quality of the Recycled Fibre (ReF) filament, accompanying tests are to be carried out, and the filament is to be processed not only using conventional FFF methods but also via the InPrint process. The InPrint system has already been developed as part of a joint project between the partners and consists of a robot-based 3D printing system with preheating modules, which makes it possible to print secondary force-transmitting elements onto existing curved organic sheet structures. The entire process is to be demonstrated using a demonstrator system to be set up as part of the project.

Project duration: 1 February 2024 – 31 January 2027

Cooperation partner: thinkTEC 3D GmbH – Grafenau

Funding amount: 314,500 euros

Funding body: Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy

Project leader: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ingo Ehrlich

You can find the report on this project from the ‘Successfully Secured’ serieshere.

For decades, right-wing extremism was largely overlooked as a threatening social phenomenon, but it is now being taken more seriously at social, political and security agency levels. Whilst academic discourse and research activities are now increasing and becoming more nuanced, there is still a considerable need to catch up in terms of academic knowledge. Such knowledge is essential and can help to develop well-founded social and political counter-strategies. This is the starting point for the research consortium outlined here. By focusing specifically on the situation in Bavaria, we aim to fill gaps in research and generate findings that are linked to nationwide and international academic discourse, whilst not losing sight of the regional context and the concrete actions of stakeholders in Bavaria.

Project duration: 1 January 2024 – 31 December 2027

Funding amount: 268 ,900 euros

Funding body: Bavarian State Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and the Arts

Project leader: Prof. Dr Martina Ortner

Further information on the research project can be found here.

Further information on the associated sub-project ReTra can be found in the section ‘Successfully secured’.

The development of statistical models and methods for forecasting extreme events is relevant in various fields of application, including the insurance sector. Valid statistical forecasts of extreme loss events are of crucial importance for the effective risk management of insurance companies and, in times of climate change, inflation and cyber threats, are of general economic and social interest. The objectives of this project proposal are the statistical modelling of extreme loss amounts in non-life insurance and the development of suitable methods for predicting them. The aim is to forecast future maximum losses on the basis of maximum losses successively observed in the past. The statistical methods are to be based on the sequence of record values and the time intervals between successive record losses; unlike in classical extreme value methods, the incorporation of these so-called record statistics is not yet established in actuarial science. In preparation for this project proposal, preliminary theoretical work was carried out and initial real-world data sets from the insurance industry were analysed. In addition to the theoretical development of record models and record forecasting methods, the project aims to assess the added value for actuarial science that arises from quantifying successive maximum losses by considering record statistics, as compared with classical extreme value statistics. The newly developed methods are to be validated using datasets from the insurance industry and continuously evaluated in consultation with industry partners. Furthermore, as part of a collaborative PhD programme in conjunction with the Chair of Statistics at RWTH Aachen University, a research assistant will be given the opportunity to complete a doctoral thesis.

Project duration: 1 January 2024 – 30 September 2027

Funding amount: 265 ,000 euros

Funding body: Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts

Project leader: Prof. Dr Anja Schmiedt

In order to develop a tailor-made concept for a high-performing start-up hub in Eastern Bavaria, Section 1 of our proposal will first outline the current state of the Eastern Bavarian start-up ecosystem. This forms the basis for the concept proposed below (Section 2). Given the scarcity of resources in Eastern Bavaria, this concept must build upon existing structures and services and further develop them using innovative and synergistic approaches, whilst taking into account regional strengths and weaknesses as well as success factors and gaps in funding. This concept will encompass the region’s entire start-up ecosystem.

Project duration: 1 November 2023 – 31 October 2028

Cooperation partners: LandshutUniversity of Applied Sciences (FH); East Bavarian University of Applied Sciences Amberg-Weiden (FH), Amberg; Deggendorf University of Applied Sciences (FH), Deggendorf; University of Passau; University of Regensburg

Funding amount: 900 ,000 euros

Funding body: Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts

Project leader: Prof. Dr Sean Patrick Saßmannshausen

Follow this link to read an article about the research project in our ‘Successfully Secured’ section.

The project ‘Establishment of a Bavarian Chip Design Centre (BCDC)’ aims to lay the foundations for innovative chip development. The aim of the project is to establish low-threshold access to a chip design infrastructure in order to increase the efficiency of semiconductor and electronics development. To this end, various platforms are being developed for a broad user base, and a fully accessible ecosystem is being established in collaboration with other stakeholders in each case. The involvement of universities and higher education institutions in the BCDC is intended to strengthen basic research in Bavaria in the field of microelectronics.

Project duration: 1 August 2023 – 31 December 2028

Funding amount: 919,000 euros

Funding body: Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy

Project leader: Prof. Dr Rainer Holmer

Biotechnology research project

Project duration: 1 June 2026 – 31 May 2029

Funding amount: 60 ,315.00 euros

Funding body: Bavarian Transformation and Research Foundation

Collaborating partners: Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg | Varolis GmbH

Project leader: Prof. Dr Armin Sehr

In geotechnical engineering, resource-intensive excavation shoring systems made of concrete and steel are frequently constructed. These are merely temporary construction aids and, whilst a building is under construction, serve as a temporary safety measure to prevent water ingress and soil collapse into the excavation. This project aims to develop a method for recovering solid steel elements from these excavation shoring systems. At present, these steel elements remain within the temporary shoring and are withdrawn from the resource cycle. An electric field can be used to influence the bond strength between soil-reinforced concrete and steel. Initial investigations have shown that a weak direct current electric field can reduce the mechanical shear resistance by up to 90 per cent when steel is pulled out of soil-reinforced concrete. The project aims to investigate how electric currents affect the shear behaviour between steel and cement-based construction materials. The aim is to identify the key electrokinetic parameters that can be used to describe and predict changes in the steel–cement paste interaction. Through a collaborative partnership, the scientific findings from the laboratory are to be transferred into construction practice. To this end, large-scale test sites are to be established in collaboration with a medium-sized specialist civil engineering firm, where a demonstrator of a developed system solution is to be validated.

Project duration: 1 April 2026 – 31 July 2028

Funding amount: 247 ,500.00 euros

Funding body: Bavarian Research Foundation

Partners: Gollwitzer Spezialtiefbau | GmbH – Floß

Project leader: Prof. Dr Thomas Neidhart

Project duration: 1 April 2026 – 31 March 2029

Funding amount: 117 ,120.00 euros

Funding body: Gerda Henkel Foundation

Project leader: Prof. Dr Elke Nagel

Youcan find an article about the research project in our ‘Successfully Secured’ section

Zero-emission construction machinery is becoming increasingly available on the market. However, sales figures remain marginal, as much of the technical and economic potential can only be realised through comprehensive electrification rather than the direct replacement of individual machines. ForBat@Bau is making this possible through four interconnected sub-projects focusing on load-collection-optimised machine design, intelligent and modular battery systems, software-supported energy planning and flexible grid connections. The aim is to develop an integrated planning and operational tool for complex zero-emission construction sites.

Project duration: 1 March 2026 – 28 February 2029

Funding amount: 400 ,573.00 euros

Funding body: Bavarian Transformation and Research Foundation

Project manager: Oliver Brückl

To ensure durability in demanding exposure classes (XF4/XD3). Through a combination of innovative approaches, the aim is to conserve primary resources, drastically reduce the carbon footprint and enhance the performance of the concrete. This is achieved by:

• reducing the clinker content through the use of efficient cement substitutes and particle size optimisation,
• the use of biochar as a CO₂ sink and a substitute for natural sand
• optimising durability through experimental investigations combined with machine learning, so that sustainable concrete can be used even in exposure classes subject to high stresses.

The project adopts a holistic, multi-scale approach: it combines strategies for CO₂ reduction, resource efficiency and improved durability to create a sustainable concrete system. In addition to the use of secondary mineral raw materials, the focus is on the use of biochar, whose potential to permanently sequester CO₂ makes it particularly interesting as a raw material in the concrete industry. Using data-driven methods, in particular multivariate analyses and machine learning, correlations are identified between material properties, fresh and hardened concrete parameters, durability characteristics and environmental impacts. Through the publication of freely accessible data, the project aims, in the long term, to enable all those involved in concrete construction to optimise concrete mix designs specifically according to specified criteria and to make efficient use of the full range of sustainable concrete raw materials. The research proposal thus directly addresses the key priorities of the call for proposals: CO₂ reduction through the substitution of primary raw materials and durability as a key criterion for sustainable concrete structures

Project duration: 4 February 2026 – 3 February 2029

Funding amount: 175 ,000.00 euros

Funding body: Dr Edith and Klaus Dyckerhoff Foundation

Project leader: Charlotte Thiel

Dealing with processes of social transformation (digitalisation, sustainability, internationalisation, and many more) requires students to possess skills that can only be fully addressed at OTH Regensburg through a transformation of the teaching architecture. We understand these skills as ‘future skills’ in a broader sense: alongside technological and transformative skills, key digital skills and traditional skills, they also encompass, within the framework of a holistic education, the dimensions of personal development and social responsibility. The project aims to align teaching with these ‘Future Skills’ – in the broadest sense – throughout the entire lifecycle of students and teaching staff. To this end, a centre for transdisciplinary learning is being established, which will organise and bundle teaching programmes across degree programmes and faculties and strategically develop them as integral components of the degree programme curricula. The project promotes the individual development of teaching staff’s future skills, the further development of subject-specific teaching through a curriculum workshop, and the further development of supplementary courses and continuing professional development programmes. The needs and feedback from regional businesses will also be incorporated into the implementation of the project. The project, which is managed using agile methods, will be scientifically monitored and evaluated throughout its duration.

Project duration: 1 October 2025 – 31 September 2031

Funding amount: 4 ,817,186 euros

Funding body: Foundation for Innovation in Higher Education Teaching

Project leader: Prof. Dr Birgit Rösel

Follow this link to read an article about the research project in our ‘Successfully Secured’ section.

Project duration: 1 February 2025 – 30 September 2027

Grant amount: 52 ,800.00 euros

Funding body: Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes

Project leader: Prof. Dr Helga Hornberger

In view of falling groundwater levels and prolonged periods of drought, closing water cycles is becoming increasingly important for a wide range of industrial sectors. The sustainable management of drinking water, an essential resource, is vital for protecting groundwater levels and securing the future of water-intensive production processes within the country. The BayWater project aims to analyse the generation of wastewater on a production-specific basis and to establish bespoke, energy-efficient and resource-conserving technologies for process water recycling. Rather than treating lightly polluted wastewater using conventional methods, BayWater aims to utilise modern membrane filtration for efficient treatment processes, thereby closing operational water cycles. To date, the widespread use of membrane technologies in continuous treatment processes has been hindered by membrane fouling. To completely avoid process-critical fouling, BayWater combines tried-and-tested and new pre-treatment steps as required, ensuring that membrane filtration can be operated trouble-free at maximum yield. Complemented by new developments in sensor and control technology, BayWater will enable energy-efficient treatment for a variety of process waters. To establish the combination of targeted pre-treatment and membrane filtration as a universal strategy for a resource-efficient circular economy, the research and industry partners of the BayWater consortium will collaborate on an interdisciplinary basis. By pooling diverse areas of expertise, scientific innovations and technical, simulation-based and analytical know-how, BayWater will revolutionise wastewater treatment.

Project duration: 1 October 2024 – 30 September 2027

Cooperation partners: Adelholzener Alpenquellen GmbH – Siegsdorf, Afin TS GmbH – Augsburg, Andechser Molkerei Scheitz GmbH – Andechs, Augustiner-Bräu Wagner KG – Munich, BMW AG – Landhut, Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan – Freising, Bio-Mineralwasserverband e.V. – Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz, Dr. Küke GmbH – Wedemark, Endress & Hauser Conducta GmbH & Co KG – Gerlingen, Flottweg SE – Vilsbiburg, GEA Group AG – Düsseldorf, Hydroisotop GmbH – Schweitenkirchen, Infineon Technologies AG – Regensburg, Inge GmbH – Greifenberg, Ingenieurbüro Heinl GmbH – Zolling, MKR Metzger GmbH – Monheim, MSD Intervet International GmbH – Unterschleißheim, MTU Aero Engines AG – Munich, Milchwerke Berchdesgarder Land Chiemgau eG – Piding, Neumarkter Lammsbräu Gebr. Ehernsperger KG – Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz, Postnova Analytics GmbH – Landsberg am Lech, Strategische Partnerschaft Sensorik e. V. – Regensburg, Nuremberg Georg Simon Ohm University of Applied Sciences (FH), Technical University of Munich, Wacker Chemie AG – Munich, Wasseraufbereitungstechnik Stotz – Regensburg, Weinert Industries AG – Föritztal.

Funding amount: 247,000 euros

Funding body: Bavarian Research Foundation

Project leader: Prof. Dr Rudolf Bierl

Find out more about the project in our ‘Successfully Secured’ section