99 projects for a future without fossil fuels and energy carriers

Field of research
Additive manufacturing for climate-neutral energy and drive technology

Project name
AMFlexInj – Additive manufactured micro-injection concepts as enablers for fuel flexible and low-emission combustion systems

Duration
07/2026 – 06/2029

Project description
The energy transition doesn't end with climate neutrality: It must be safe, flexible, and independent. AMFlexInj is developing the next generation of 3D-printed gas turbine injectors capable of using hydrogen, e-fuels, and other climate-neutral fuels with low emissions. Fuel flexibility builds resilience; additive manufacturing makes burners scalable, adaptable, and retrofittable—for climate-friendly energy and mobility systems worldwide and industrial strength from Germany.

Contact
Dr. Fabian Hampp, University of Stuttgart, Institute of Combustion Technology for Aerospace Engineering (IVLR), phone: +49 711 685-685-2469, email

Prof. Hans-Christian Möhring, University of Stuttgart, Institute for Machine Tools (IfW), phone: +49 711 685-83773, email

Participating partners

• Institute of Combustion Technology for Aerospace Engineering (IVLR), University of Stuttgart, Dr. Fabian Hampp (Combustion, spray, and emissions diagnostics)
• Institue for Machine Tools (IfW), University of Stuttgart, Prof. Dr. Hans-Christian Möhring (Additive manufacturing of micro-injectors)
• Institute of Combustion Technology (VT), German Aerospace Center (DLR), Stuttgart, Dr. Oliver Lammel (jet-stabilized FLOX burner systems, high-pressure test bench)

Funding institution
Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) – Funding Program: “Validation of the Technological and Societal Innovation Potential of Scientific Research” (VIP+)

Funding
Approximately 1.5 million EUR (total funding requested for the collaborative project: 1,499,660.98 EUR)

Further information [de]

[Image: IVLR, University of Stuttgart, AMFlexInj]

Field of research
System analysis for the energy transition

Project name
Copernicus project ARIADNE 2 – flagship project for climate neutrality

Duration
06/2020 – 12/2026

Project description
How can we achieve a climate-neutral energy system based on renewable energy in an efficient and socially responsible way? To this end, ARIADNE aims to identify pathways and options for policymakers, including in collaboration with the three other Kopernikus projects of the BMFTR. The IER contributed analyses on energy security and climate neutrality, particularly at the EU level. It also supported analyses related to the future design of the electricity and energy markets, as well as emissions trading. 

Contact
Prof. Kai Hufendiek, University of Stuttgart, Institute of Energy Economics and Rational Energy Use (IER), phone: +49 711 685 87801, email

Participating partners

• Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research [PIK] (ARIADNE Project Manager)
• Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change gGmbH [MCC]
• Hertie School gGmbH [Hertie]
• TU Darmstadt [TUD]
• RWI – Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung e.V. [RWI]
• Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. [DLR]
• Deutsches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung e.V. [DIW]
• Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus [BTU]
• University of Potsdam [U Potsdam]
• Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft Köln e.V. [IW Köln]
• Öko-Institut e.V. [ÖkoI]
• University of Hamburg [U Hamburg]
• ZEW - Leibniz-Zentrum für Europäische Wirtschaftsforschung gGmbH [ZEW]
• Ecologic Institute gGmbH [Ecologic]
• adelphi research gGmbH [adelphi]
• Technical University of Munich [TUM]
• Stiftung Umweltenergierecht [SUER]
• Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus – Senftenberg (BTU)
• Research Institute for Sustainability – Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam (RIFS)
• Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Integrated Energy Systems (CINES)
• The Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen–Nuremberg
• ifo Institute
• Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg
• Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP)
• Technical University Berlin
• University of Duisburg-Essen
• University of Greifswald
• University of Stuttgart

Total funding
60 million EUR (in total), of which approximately 3 million EUR went to the University of Stuttgart

Funding institute
Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMBFTR)

 Link zu weiteren Informationen

• Ariadne 2 [de]
• Homepage of the project

[Image: Ilja C. Hendel]

Field of research
 Efficient integration and utilization of biogenic, H₂-rich synthesis gas for sustainable steel production

Project name
BioH2Steel

Duration
12/2025 – 11/2028 

Project description
The international BioH2Steel project focuses on a concept for steel production using sustainably sourced hydrogen.  A hydrogen-rich material stream is generated from residual and waste materials, which, after a purification process, is used for the reduction of iron ore. The resulting CO₂-rich material stream is then used in a cracking process to produce carbon-based materials. The goal is to map out and demonstrate the entire process chain.

Contact
Christian Schmidberger, University of Stuttgart, Institute for Energy Process Engineering and Dynamics in Energy Systems (IED), email 

Christian Baum, University of Stuttgart, Institute for Energy Process Engineering and Dynamics in Energy Systems (IED), email

Participating partners

• University of Stuttgart (DE)
• GTT-Technologies (DE)
• Cyclize GmbH (DE)
• ArcelorMittal (DE)
• BEST – Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies GmbH (AT)
• Aichernig Engineering GmbH (AT)
• KTH Royal Institute of Technology (SW)
• FerroSilva AB (SW)
• Technical University of Denmark (DK)
• Elplatek (DK)
• Wrocław University of Science and Technology (PL)
• WITI (PL)
• WTT Innowacje (PL)

Funding institute
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE)

• Funding
  4.527 million EUR total project budget
• 3.913 million EUR project funding
• 1.088 million EUR Uni Stuttgart budget
• 1.088 million EUR Uni Stuttgart funding

Further information

Field of research
Sustainable urban development, Smart Cities 

Project name

Real-world laboratory “CampUS exponent i – Smart CampUS” – Intelligent and user-orientated planning processes for climate-neutral buildings and districts in the case of Campus Vaihingen.

Real-world laboratory EKUS exponent i – “Saving energy and mitigating climate change by intelligent single room control systems at the University of Stuttgart”

Duration
CampUS exponent i: 03/2021 – 06/2024

EKUS exponent i: 07/2024 – 06/2026

Project description
The CampUS exponent i and EKUS exponent i real-world laboratories support the University of Stuttgart's goal of becoming a climate-neutral campus by 2035. An interdisciplinary team of engineers and social scientists conducted real-world experiments on Campus Vaihingen to investigate how smart technologies can reduce energy consumption in existing buildings and what role the various stakeholders in building projects (e.g., owners, users, planners, and administrators) play in this process. In addition, the researchers examined how energy-saving behavior can be encouraged. The “Campus exponent i” project focused on building complexes, while the follow-up project, “EKUS exponent i,” explored these questions in greater depth at the individual-room level. 

Contact
Professor Kai Hufendiek, University of Stuttgart, Institute of Energy Economics and Rational Energy Use (IER) phone: +49 711 685 87801, email

Funding institute
Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and Arts

• Funding
  CampUS exponent i: 997,804.00 EUR
• EKUS exponent i: 550,751.00 EUR 

Further informationen

• Campus hoch i
• EKUS hoch i [de]

[Image: Ekus hoch i]

Field of research
The energy transition in urban space

Project name
Discursive Transformation of Energy Systems (DiTEnS)

Duration
04/2023 – 03/2029

Project description
A climate-neutral heat supply requires a holistic approach and dialogue among the stakeholders involved. The DiTEnS research initiative at the University of Stuttgart develops digital methods to make planning processes transparent and participatory. Using simulation-based VR and AR applications, DiTEnS supports the heating transition in urban neighborhoods and works with stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions.

Participating partners

• Institute of Energy Economics and Rational Energy Use (IER)
• High-Performance Computing Center (HLRS)
• Institute for Power Transmission and High-Voltage Engineering (IEH)
• Institute for Building Energetics, Thermotechnology and Energy Storage (IGTE)
• Center for Interdisciplinary Risk and Innovation Studies

Contact
Prof. Kai Hufendiek (spokesperson), University of Stuttgart, Institute of Energy Economics and Rational Energy Use (IER), phone: +49 711 685 87801, email

Funding institute
Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung

Funding
4.9 million EUR

Further informationen [de]

[Image: Pascal Häbig]

Field of research
Biotechnology

Project name
Engineering a better-than-nature enzymatic mechanism for biohydrogen production

Duration
11/2025 – 11/2027

Project description
Green hydrogen is considered a clean energy source. A biotechnological method for producing hydrogen could offer a competitive alternative to fossil-fuel-based industrial hydrogen production processes. The idea is that a synthetic enzyme will enable microorganisms to produce green hydrogen from waste more efficiently in the future. “Energase” operates according to a previously unknown chemical principle. 

Contact
Prof. Hajo Kries, University of Stuttgart, Institute of Biochemistry, phone: +49 711 685-63193, email

Participating partners

• University of Stuttgart, Institute for Theoretical Chemistry
• University of Hohenheim, Institute of Chemistry

Funding institute
Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung

Funding
900,000 EUR

Further informationen

[Image: University of Stuttgart / Uli Regenscheit]

Field of research
Sustainable construction of the future

Project name
Center of Excellence for Integrative Computational Design and Construction for Transformative Architecture (IntCDC) with the IntCDC Building demonstration project

Duration
2019 – 2032

Project description
IntCDC aims to make the construction industry more sustainable and smarter. Nine structures, such as the Hybrid Flax Pavilion, demonstrate how interdisciplinary co-design significantly reduces resource consumption and CO₂ emissions. Radically new, sustainable approaches are also being tested in the construction of the climate-neutral IntCDC building: computer-aided design, cyber-physical manufacturing, highly functional lightweight concrete structures, multi-story timber construction, a resource-efficient timber shell roof, and more. 

Contact
Prof. Achim Menges, spokesperson IntCDC Cluster of Excellence, University of Stuttgart, phone: +49 711 685 82786, email

Participating partners

• Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems
• Bauhaus Erde

Funding institute
Funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG) as part of the federal and state governments’ Excellence Strategy

Further information

• Cluster of Excellence Integrative Computational Design and Construction for Transformative Architecture (IntCDC), Universität Stuttgart
• IntCDC Building

[Image: University of Stuttgart / IntCDC / Flooer]

Field of research
Energy conversion / electric motors without rare earth elements

Project name
HiPower 5.0

Project description
The Europe-wide HiPower 5.0 project uses disruptive semiconductor technologies to develop the next generation of sustainable and efficient eDrive components. As part of this project, the Institute of Electrical Energy Conversion at the University of Stuttgart is conducting research on highly efficient electric motors that do not contain rare earth elements, with the aim of eliminating supply dependencies and environmental problems. This is achieved through contactless, inductive power transfer directly at the heart of the motor.

Duration
07/2025 – 06/2028

Contact
Prof. Nejila Parspour, University of Stuttgart, Institute of Electrical Energy Conversion, phone: +49 711 685-67819, email

Participating partners
More than 40 European partners from industry and research

Funding institute

• Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR), formerly BMBF
• European Union: Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU)

Funding

• Total funding: 58.2 million EUR
• Total national funding from the BMBF: 6.08 million EUR
• Total funding for German partners: 12.12 million EUR
• Total funding for the IEW at the University of Stuttgart: approximately 400,000 EUR

Further informationen

• HiPower 5.0 (Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space) [de]
• HiPower 5.0
• Institute of Electrical Energy Conversion (iew)

[Image: University of Stuttgart / Jan Potente]

Field of research
Green information technology

Project name
Neubau HLRS III

Duration
03/2025 – estimated 12/2026

Project description
How can we combine high-performance computing, energy efficiency, and sustainability? This is demonstrated by the new building for the Stuttgart High-Performance Computing Center (HLRS), which is currently under construction on Campus Vaihingen. Recycled concrete and wood are being used in the construction of HLRS III. And the enormous amount of energy that supercomputers require is recovered and fed into the campus's district heating network as waste heat. This means that up to one-third of the campus's heating needs can be met in the winter, and all of its process heat needs can be met in the summer. 

Contact
Sophia Honisch, University of Stuttgart, High-Performance Computing Center (HLRS), phone: +49 711 685-68038, email

Participating partners

• University Building Authority for Stuttgart and Hohenheim
• Bentham Crouwel International
• Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel Architekten

Funding institute
Federal Ministry of Research, technology and Space

Funding
178.6 million EUR, of which 138.5 million EUR came from the State of Baden-Württemberg and 40.1 million EUR from the BMFTR

Further informationen

[Image: Birk Heilmeyer and Frenzel Architekten]

Field of research
Energy conversion / inductive power transmission

Project name
Institute of Electrical Energy Conversion (IEW) at the University of Stuttgart

Duration
Since 06/2011

Project description
Charging without cables or plugs enhances user convenience and conserves resources: The IEW is conducting research on inductive power transfer for vehicles and machinery. Whether it's electric cars or automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in logistics: Charging can now be done while stationary or on the move with over 90 percent efficiency. This allows for smaller batteries, making vehicles lighter, more efficient, and giving them greater range. In addition, they can feed energy back into the grid, thereby supporting the integration of renewable energy. 

Contact
Prof. Nejila Parspour, University of Stuttgart, Institute of Electrical Energy Conversion, phone: +49 711 685-67819, email

Participating partners

• Mahle
• BMW
• EnBW
• Brusa
• ifak Magdeburg
• National Metrology Institute

Funding institute

• Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, BMWE (formerly BMWK) Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts (MWK)
• Vector Stiftung
• Field of research
• Sustainable aviation

Weitere Informationen

• Electricity withou cables or plugs, News April 15, 2026
• Institute of Electrical Energy Conversion (iew)
• Dynamic charging
• Funding program „Elektro-Mobil“

[Image: University of Stuttgart / Jan Potente]

Project name
iKOR – Intelligent flight route planning to reduce contrails

Duration
01/2025 – 12/2027

Project description
Studies show that contrails contribute to global warming. Through the iKoR project, researchers at the University of Stuttgart aim to optimize flight route planning in order to reduce the formation of contrails and the impact of air traffic on the climate. To this end, they are developing and testing an intelligent flight planning system: An intelligent multi-agent system plans the optimal flight route while taking into account safety regulations, air traffic, fuel consumption, and the formation of contrails. 

Contact
Recep Ayyildiz, University of Stuttgart, Institute of Aircraft Systems, phone: +49 711 685 67089, email

Funding institution
Friedrich and Elisabeth Boysen Foundation for Research and Innovation

Funding
102,000 EUR

Further informationen

[Image: iStock]

Field of research
Flexibility in power generation and sector integration

Project name
KWK 4.0: Regional combined heat and power plants in a changing energy system

Duration
01/2020 – 8/2024

Project description
The KWK 4.0 project investigated how biomass and waste-to-energy plants can be adapted to meet the requirements of an energy system with a high share of renewable energy. The main focus was on increasing the flexibility of the plants, for example through the use of storage systems and the integration of power-to-X technologies. The Institute for Energy Process Engineering and Dynamics in Energy Systems (formerly IFK) contributed its expertise on control mechanisms and strategies. 

Contact
Prof. Hendrik Lens, University of Stuttgart, Institute for Energy Process Engineering and Dynamics in Energy Systems (IED), phone: +49 711 685 66213, email

Participating partners

• TU Dresden - Chair of Energy Process Engineering (EVT)
• University of Stuttgart, Institute for Energy Process Engineering and Dynamics in Energy Systems (IED)
• Jülich Research Center - Electrochemical Process Engineering (IEK-3)
• ERC Emissions-Reduzierungs-Concepte GmbH
• bse Methanol GmbH
• ENVERUM - Ingenieurgesellschaft für Energie- und Umweltverfahrenstechnik mbH
• IWV Ilmenauer Wärmeversorgung GmbH
• MARTIN GmbH für Umwelt- und Energietechnik
• Siemens AG
• TBF + Partner AG
• TÜV SÜD AG
• Southwest Thuringia Waste Management Association

Funding

• Total funding 3.96 million EUR
• University of Stuttgart total funding: 224,175 EUR

Funding institute
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE)

[Image: Zweckverband für Abfallwirtschaft Südwestthüringen ZASt]

Field of research
Sustainable mobility

Project name
Mobility Living Lab (MobiLab) – the zero-emissions campus as a research and innovation laboratory

Duration
2020 – 06/2025

Project description
The University of Stuttgart’s MobiLab real-world laboratory focused on reducing mobility-related CO₂ emissions, changing mobility behavior, and testing innovative mobility solutions. Campus Vaihingen served as a testing ground for new solutions for climate-neutral, electric, and smart mobility—ranging from automated campus shuttles and autonomous e-scooters to new parking concepts and a test track for contactless charging of electric vehicles.

Contact
Prof. Markus Friedrich, University of Stuttgart, Institute for Road and Transport Science, phone: +49 711 685-82482, email

Participating partners

• University of Stuttgart, Institute for Road and Transport Science (ISV)
• University of Stuttgart, Institute for Automotive Engineering, Stuttgart (IFS), Institute of Electrical Energy Conversion (IEW) – inductive charging
• University of Stuttgart, Institute of Power Transmission and High Voltage Technology (IEH)
• University of Stuttgart, Institute for Systems Theory and Control Engineering (IST)
• University of Stuttgart Rectorate

Funding institute
Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and Arts

Funding
approx. 5 million EUR

Further informationen

Field of research
CO₂-neutral and sustainable flying

Project name
PlasmaFly: Plasma-based production of green kerosene from biogas and renewable electricity

Duration
03/2023 – 02/2027

Project description
The PlasmaFly project is conducting research on CO2-neutral aicraft fuel. The researchers aim to advance plasma-based technologies for producing green kerosene from biogas and renewable electricity and to scale them up for industrial production. The team is also developing a demonstrator for synthesis gas production and is planning a pilot plant.

Contact
Paul Rößner, Institute for Photovoltaics (ipv), University of Stuttgart, phone: +49 711 68567, email 

Participating partners

• Institute for Photovoltaics (ipv), University of Stuttgart
• University of Bayreuth
• Overspeed GmbH & Co. KG
• Infraserv Höchst GmbH & Co. KG
• LINDSCHULTE Industrial Engineering GmbH

Funding
1.74 million EUR

Funding institute
Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV)

Weitere Informationen

• Institute for Photovoltaics (ipv)
• PlasmaFly [de]

[Image: Unsplash]

Field of research
Perovskite-based solar cells

Project name
SafePero – safe encapsulation of perovskite-based solar cells

Duration
09/2024 – 02/2027

Project description
Perovskite solar cells are highly efficient, lightweight, and cost-effective, and are seen as a promising solution for sustainable energy production. The Institute for Photovoltaics (ipv) is conducting research aimed at bringing perovskites into industrial production. For example, the SafePero project focuses on safety aspects: An innovative encapsulation method is designed to prevent the release of harmful substances. As part of the PÆROSPACE project, the ipv is conducting research on extremely robust perovskite solar cells to enable the sustainable operation of satellites in space. 

Contact
Prof. Michael Saliba, University of Stuttgart, Institute of Photovoltaics, phone: +49 711 685-67140, email

Participating partners

• Institute for Photovoltaics (ipv), University of Stuttgart
• Institute for Sanitary Engineering, Water Quality and Solid Waste Management (ISWA), University of Stuttgart

Funding
840,596 EUR

Funding institute
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

Further informationen

• Institute for Photovoltaics (ipv)
• Michael Saliba on perovskites, expert interview August 26, 2025
• Lighter satellites thanks to new technology, forschung leben issue 2-2022

[Image: University of Stuttgart / Uli Regenscheit]

Field of research
Materials Chemistry / Electrochemistry

Project name
Electrosynthesis of urea from CO₂ and nitrate using covalent organic frameworks via confinement effects

Project description
Urea is an essential fertilizer – but its production consumes more than 1 percent of the world’s energy. This project is developing a climate-friendly process that uses specially designed porous materials (COFs) to electrochemically convert CO₂ and nitrate from wastewater into urea. This process produces fertilizers under mild conditions while simultaneously making effective use of greenhouse gases and nitrogen pollutants – contributing to a circular carbon-nitrogen economy. 

Duration
07/2026 – 06/2030

Contact
Prof. Elias Klemm, University of Stuttgart, Institute of Technical Chemistry (ITC), phone: +49 711 685 65590, email

Participating partners

• University of Stuttgart, Prof. Dr. Elias Klemm
• Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Prof. Dr. Bettina V. Lotsch
• Ruhr-University of Bochum, Prof. Dr. Kristina Tschulik

Funding institute
German Research Foundation (DFG) as part of the Collaborative Research Center CRC 1333 – Molecular Heterogeneous Catalysis in Defined Directing Geometries

Weitere Informationen

• Further informationen on the project „Confinement effects for urea electrosynthesis from CO₂ and nitrate with covalent organic frameworks“
• Further informationen on the CRC 1333 - Molecular Heterogeneous Catalysis in Defined Directing Geometries

[Image: SFB 1333]

Field of research
Catalysis research / sustainable chemistry

Project name
Methanol from CO₂

Duration
07/2026 – 06/2030

Project description
Methanol is a versatile energy source and a raw material for the chemical industry. So far, however, direct production from CO₂ and hydrogen has been relatively inefficient. The project is developing novel catalysts: copper compounds are encapsulated in tiny pores within special materials (MOFs) and activated in such a way that the reaction proceeds even at lower temperatures. This reduces energy consumption and makes the use of industrial CO₂ as a raw material more economically attractive. 

Contact
Prof. Deven Estes, University of Stuttgart, Institute of Technical Chemistry, phone: +49 711 685-64060, email

Jun-Prof. Dr. Kenichi Endo, University of Stuttgart, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, phone: +49 711 685-64112, email

Funding institute
German Research Foundation (DFG) as part of the Collaborative Research Center CRC 1333 – Molecular Heterogeneous Catalysis in Defined Directing Geometries

Further informationen

• Further informationen on the project
• Further informationen on the CRC 1333 - Molecular Heterogeneous Catalysis in Defined Directing Geometries
•  

[Image: Visuell, Studio für Kommunikation GmbH]

Field of research
Decarbonization of digital infrastructure

Project name
SKARK: Smart concepts for integrating waste heat and cost-effective cooling in data centers

Duration
08/2025 – 07/2027

Project description
Efficiently cooling data centers and making good use of the waste heat generated there – for example, to heat adjacent areas: The SKARK project aims to develop an innovative, comprehensive concept for this purpose. The researchers aim to develop a technical and energy-related interface between data center cooling and municipal heat supply. The goal is to decarbonize digital infrastructure and comply with the legal requirements of the Energy Efficiency Act.

Contact
Prof. Konstantinos Stergiaropoulos, University of Stuttgart, Institute for Building Energetics, Thermotechnology and Energy Storage (IGTE), phone: +49 711 685-62084, email

Participating partners

• Institute for Building Energetics, Thermotechnology and Energy Storage (IGTE) at the University of Stuttgart
• High-Performance Computing Center at th University of Stuttgart (HLRS)
• Caldoa GmbH

Funding
total: 387,516 EUR, University of Stuttgart: 229,422 EUR

Funding institute
Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor and Tourism Baden-Württemberg, as part of Invest BW

Further informationen

[Image: IGTE with support of AI]

Field of research
Sustainable urban climate

Project name
Science Walk: Climate adaptation and biodiversity

Duration
04/2025 – 03/2027

Project description
In the interdisciplinary “SciWalK” course, students design the climate-resilient city of tomorrow. Students majoring in architecture and urban planning, civil engineering, environmental engineering, and electrical and information technology are developing practical solutions to improve heat resilience in cities. Using a microclimate tracking device developed at the university, urban heat hotspots can be identified, enabling the design of targeted structural adaptation measures that mitigate heat stress while promoting biodiversity and enhancing long-term climate resilience. Using real-world case studies, they reflect on sustainability strategies, analyze the impact of measures, and develop sustainable concepts. 

Ansprechpersonen
Claudia Lüling, Universität Stuttgart, Institut für Akustik und Bauphysik (IABP) Tel.: +49 711 685 60414, E-Mail

Contact
Claudia Lüling, University of Stuttgart, Institute for Acoustics and Building Physics (IABP) Tel.: +49 711 685 60414, email

Participating institutes

• IABP, Institute for Acoustics and Building Physics
• IBBTE, Institute for Building Materials, Building Physics, Building Systems and Design
• IREUS, Institute of Spatial and Regional Planning
• IIS, Institute of Smart Sensors

Funding
350,000 EUR

Funding institute
Foundation for Innovation in Higher Education

Further informationen

Field of research
A circular carbon economy for a sustainable chemical industry

Project name
Start-up Cyclize GmbH

Company history
Founded in 2023 by Maike Lambarth, Dr. Stephan Renninger, Dominik Novakovic, and Jan Stein. More than 20 employees (status June 2026)

Project description
Cyclize, a startup from the University of Stuttgart, has developed a plasma technology that converts complex, non-recyclable waste and CO2 into circular synthesis gas. Syngas is the raw material for many chemical products, such as plastics, methanol, hydrogen, and e-fuels. To date, this gas has been produced from natural gas or coal. With its technology, Cyclize replaces fossil raw materials in the chemical industry, closes the carbon cycle, and significantly reduces CO2 emissions.

Contact
Jan Stein, Co-founder and COO, phone: +49 162 9098249, email
Anja Schröder, Cyclize Public Relations, phone: +49 152 07203249, email

Funding
Approx. 7 million EUR in public funding and equity, of which 4.75 million EUR came from the 2024 seed funding round, following an EXIST Transfer of Research grant awarded in 2022.

Funding institute
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (Exist); Seed funding round: UVC Partners with HTGF, Aurum Impact, UnternehmerTUM Funding for Innovators, and renowned business angels, including former Covestro CTO Dr. Klaus Schäfer

Weitere Informationen

• Cyclize Website
• Cyclize LinkedIn
• Interview with Jan Stein, Startup Story May 20, 2025
• Cyclize wins Stuttgart Innovation Prize, News October 15, 2025

[Image: Cyclize]

Field of research
Digitalization in energy management

Project name
Copernicus Project SynErgie: Synchronized Energy Management for the Coordination of Energy-Adaptive Processes

Duration
09/2016 – 06/ 2026

Project description
German industry is one of the largest consumers of electricity and heat. How can we effectively synchronize the fluctuating supply of renewable energy with energy demand, adapt industrial processes to the available electricity, and thereby make production more flexible? The Copernicus project SynErgie project is working on technical, digital, and automated solutions to these issues. 

Contact
Prof. Alexander Sauer, University of Stuttgart, Institute for Energy Efficiency in Production (EEP), phone: +49 970-3600, email

Participating partners

• University of Stuttgart, Institute for Energy Efficiency in Production (EEP)
• Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA
• 79 companies (number varies depending on the research phase)

Funding institute
Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR)

Funding
total approx. 100 million EUR, of which, University of Stuttgart, EEP: 7.5 million EUR

Further informationen

[Image: EEP / University Stuttgart]

Field of research
Hydrogen value creation in industry

Project name
WAVE-H2

Duration
08/2021 – 09/2026

Project description
Promoting applications that reduce the use of fossil fuels: That is the goal of WAVE-H2, the versatile, energy-flexible, and networked H₂ research platform developed by the EEP and the ipv at the University of Stuttgart. From the initial idea through the development and integration of new technologies to practical application, we create solutions for the integration of electricity, heat, and gas. The focus is on hydrogen systems, energy storage, district heating networks, and digital operations management. 

Contact
Prof. Alexander Sauer, University of Stuttgart, Institute for Energy Efficiency in Production (EEP), phone: +49 970-3600, email

Prof. Peter Birke, University of Stuttgart, Institute for Photovoltaics (ipv), phone: +49 711 –67180, email

Participating partners

• University of Stuttgart, Institute for Energy Efficiency in Production (EEP)
• University of Stuttgart, Institute for Photovoltaics (ipv)

Funding institute
Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR)

Funding
approx. 36 million EUR

Further informationen

• WAVE-H2
• WAVE-H2 LinkedIn

• Hydrogen: Inauguration of the new WAVE-H2 research platform, News January 21, 2026

[Image: University of Stuttgart / Max Kovalenk]