On February 28, 2024, the Innovation and Relations Management (IRM) welcomed invited industry experts to the Karlsruhe Research Factory for RESEARCH TO BUSINESS live. The spring edition of the transfer-oriented networking event was dedicated to the agile production and circular economy of batteries and fuel cells. Over 50 guests from renowned companies came to gain exclusive insights into the latest developments at KIT.

Share knowledge

The eventful day began with multifaceted keynote speeches by KIT researchers. Participants were given a comprehensive insight into the latest research findings and innovative approaches to increasing efficiency and flexibility in the production of batteries and fuel cells. For example, researchers showed how modularity in automation can bring the necessary dynamics and freedom to the production process as a whole. Improvements in sub-processes of the production chain also hold great potential, such as the digital mapping of cell stack formation as a bottleneck in battery cell production or sensor-supported quality assurance in the drying of electrodes and membranes.

Sustainability in the sense of a circular economy is a globally important topic for future-proof production. In a keynote speech, the researchers addressed the product development of the future, with aspects such as requirement profiles, business models and data-driven approaches. The presentations were not only thought-provoking, but also offered concrete solutions for the current challenges in the industry. It became clear, for example, that in future it will not only be necessary to clarify issues relating to the standardization of hardware and software and recycling, but that dismantling, reuse or repurposing should be a requirement as early as the product development stage.

Hands-on research

Afterwards, the participants had the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes at KIT and the Karlsruhe Research Factory during three laboratory tours. Here they were able to experience at first hand how state-of-the-art technologies are developed and tested in research in order to further optimize the production of batteries and fuel cells. For example, KIT researchers showed how the production and disassembly of batteries and fuel cells can work with automated robots. The laboratory tours enabled a direct dialog between researchers and company representatives, which could be continued during the lunch break with stimulating discussions in the poster exhibition. Here, further projects related to the topic area were presented and the Innovation Management team was available to answer questions about technology transfer with KIT.

Discussing future topics

The highlight and conclusion of the day were the lively discussions in small groups on "systems", "production" and the "bigger picture" in the context of batteries and fuel cells. Here, participants had the opportunity to name their challenges, share their experiences and discuss future developments in the industry together. The diversity of perspectives, such as product development, process technology or quality assurance, contributed to an open dialog. The "table discussions" not only revealed pressing issues and current development trends, but also highlighted points of contact for collaboration and project ideas. Finally, the most important points on the main topics were summarized in the plenary session.

Creating progress together

Overall, the networking event RESEARCH TO BUSINESS live was a complete success and made a significant contribution to intensifying networking between KIT and companies in the field of agile production of batteries and fuel cells. The event was organized in cooperation with the KIT Business Club and the wbk Institute for Production Science. Researchers from the IPEK – Institute of Product Engineering, from the Thin Film Technology TFT research group and from Electrotechnical Institute (ETI) of KIT provided further impetus. The inspiring impulse presentations, fascinating laboratory tours and open discussions created a dynamic atmosphere that promoted the acquisition of knowledge and the exchange of ideas.

The IRM Technology Transfer team would like to thank all participants and guests for the good discussions and the open dialog for a sustainable energy future. We are already looking forward to a continuation of RESEARCH TO BUSINESS live!