ERDF Research Networks

The aim of BiotroNiS is to create effective and synergistic integration of research activities on materials and systems for bioelectronics. The goal is to jointly develop technologies that are industrially viable and overcome the boundaries between electrical circuits and living organisms. The focus is on the digitization of information from living tissues as well as on the control of biological communication processes with digitized information.

The network connects research activities focused on organic, bio-responsive electronic materials and components for dynamically changeable and multimodal interaction with living organisms. Building on this, the aim is to enable the development of sensory and actuator biohybrid systems that are structurally and functionally adapted to biological tissue, are optionally resorbable, and technologically merge biological and electronic processes.

BiotroNiS forms the basis for the development of highly innovative medical and biotechnological products. The novel bio-interactive electronics enable disruptive approaches for environmental technologies, food production and monitoring, and other fields of application. In addition to its scientific and technological goals, BiotroNiS also pursues strategic objectives. The network creates a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration in the fields of materials science, bioelectronics, information technology, life sciences, and medicine. It works specifically to promote knowledge and technology transfer, for example through cooperation with companies, targeted support for spin-offs, and the development of marketable product approaches.

Contact Information:

• Dr. Christoph Tondera (project coordinator) – IPF: 
  tondera@ipfdd.de
• Ali Solgi (communications officer) – TUD: 
  ali.solgi@tu-dresden.de
• Ronja Bodesheimer (technology transfer officer) – ZAFT: 
  ronja.bodesheimer@htw-dresden.de

EKI-Saxony is establishing a research network for energy-autonomous communication and information systems in Saxony. The goal is the research and realization of ultra-energy-efficient ICT systems that can be powered entirely by compact energy harvesting and storage modules using light, temperature, or motion.
At the core lies the research and realization of novel microchips with extremely low energy consumption. This will, for the first time, make it possible to design energy sources and storage devices as compact as the chips themselves – with the potential to significantly reduce both energy demand and system costs. The targeted electronics are intended to operate maintenance-free, wirelessly, and to enable disruptive innovations with social, economic, and ecological benefits.
Application fields range from medicine, building and energy management, and environmental monitoring to smart farming and smart cities, as well as Industry X.0, logistics, and occupational safety. Moreover, EKI-Saxony opens up new perspectives for data collection as a foundation for AI and machine learning applications.

Contact Information:

• Julian Haase - TUD: 
  julian.haase@tu-dresden.de
• Peter Brandl - TUD: 
  peter.brandl@tu-dresden.de

The network aims to establish a multidisciplinary association for research, development, transfer and innovation in the field of "Integrated Security and Sustainability" in the Free State of Saxony. It is designed to address specific requirements in the areas of external, internal, and civil security.

The focus lies in three core areas of expertise: materials, energy, and cyber/IT. The initiative includes the launch of model projects dedicated to personal and vehicle protection, resilient energy systems, and cybersecurity for Software Defined Defence.

Visibility and accessibility of the network are enhanced through "Joint I2SN Labs", which will serve as showcase projects. In parallel, public activities and exchange formats will be implemented.

The network is supported by three core partners and aims to establish an I2SN community across academia, industry, public institutions and civil society.

Contact Information:

• Professor Christoph Igel (Speaker) – FhG FKIE:
  christoph.igel@fkie.fraunhofer.de
• Professorin Julia K. Hufenbach (Co-Speaker) – IFW:
  j.k.hufenbach@ifw-dresden.de
• Professor Alexander Michaelis (Co-Speaker) – FhG IKTS:
  alexander.michaelis@ikts.fraunhofer.de
• General questions regarding the projeckt: kontakt@i2sn.de

The Saxon network KIMed aims to bring together key stakeholders from data-holding institutions, as well as methodological and technical partners, and clinician scientists, in order to establish a co-operative network. The aim is to intensify medical research activities and utilise synergies in the development and application of AI solutions.

A central aspect of KIMed project is the conceptual design of a secure infrastructure (Secure Processing Environment – SPE) for processing medical data in Saxony. This infrastructure shall enable the use of large, networked data sets to be used under the strictest data protection standards, thereby providing a foundation on which to develop modern AI applications within in a secure framework.

The partners are collaborating on the technical, legal, and organisational framework for a Saxon Medical Data Space. This data space will enable the discussion of current medical issues, the use of existing data, the development of new methods for data analysis, GDPR-compliant storage and processing of personal data, as well as the practical application of developments.

The core project objectives are to establish a sustainable network, develop a secure research and application environment, set up a centralised data portal, test co-operative demonstrators, and provide training and consultancy services. These measures strengthen the future-oriented fields such as health and digital technology and will be relevant at both a national and international level.

Contact Information:

• Sara Volc – UL:
  sara.volc@uni-leipzig.de
  info@kimed-netzwerk.de

 

SAXFUSION is committed to integrating nuclear fusion as a clean, safe, and reliable energy source into a future-oriented, low-carbon energy strategy. Strong external visibility, international cooperation, close exchange with industry and start-ups, as well as the pooling of existing research expertise will characterize the competence network. The goal is to create a sustainable impulse for fusion research and development.

The focus is on identifying, connecting, and expanding the scientific and technological competencies available in Saxony, as well as strategically strengthening collaborations with national and international partners. SAXFUSION coordinates research and technology projects relevant to nuclear fusion, develops a long-term research and development strategy, promotes knowledge transfer between science, industry, and politics, supports the public discourse, and creates new market opportunities for Saxon companies and start-ups. In doing so, SAXFUSION explicitly positions itself as a partner and supporter for companies aiming to establish an early foothold in the emerging fusion energy market and to develop new business fields. In addition, the network supports education and career paths for experts in the field of fusion.

Contact Information:

• Claudia Keibler-Willner – HZDR:
  c.keibler-willner@hzdr.de
• Dr. Michael Bussmann – HZDR:
  m.bussmann@hzdr.de
• Dr. Jens Möller (Co-Speaker) – IWS:
  jens.moeller@iws.fraunhofer.de
• Dipl.-Ing. Anne-Katrin Leopold – IWS:
  Annekatrin.leopold@iws.fraunhofer.de

SAX-QT is building a strong Saxony-wide research network for quantum technologies, bringing together research institutions, universities, Clusters of Excellence, and industry partners. The network initiates strategic, interdisciplinary collaborations, links basic and applied research, and thus lays the foundation for new solutions and innovations. The focus is on resource-efficient, environmentally friendly, and energy-saving quantum materials and technologies «Made in Saxony”, whose development is being systematically advanced. By building bridges to microelectronics and industry, research results are translated into applications more quickly. Specifically, SAX-QT initiates joint pilot projects and colloquia as well as additional networking and transfer formats. In parallel, SAX-QT strengthens talent development (e.g., a doctoral school as well as qualification and outreach programs) and thus establishes a high-performing quantum community in Saxony with international visibility. Existing Clusters of Excellence and collaborative projects funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), and the European Union (EU) are deliberately integrated to leverage synergies, increase visibility, and strengthen the partners ability to secure third-party funding. SAX-QT is open to new partners from academia and industry.

Contact Information:

• Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Lässig (HSZG):
  j.laessig@hszg.de
• Dr. Dagmar Voigt (HSZG):
  dagmar.voigt@hszg.de

The SKR research network brings together the fragmented robotics research in Saxony to form an integrated and coherent alliance. The aim is to strengthen Saxony's industry and science in the long term and to develop holistic solutions.

This requires skills such as context perception and understanding, adaptability, independent task planning and allocation, system combinatorics, expandability and teamwork. In addition, modern technologies such as AI chips, sensor fusion and methods from computer vision, natural language processing and machine learning are used. Due to the transdisciplinary requirements, numerous industries and research fields, including software and hardware development, human-technology interaction, communication technology, semiconductor and sensor technology, as well as engineering disciplines such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and mechatronics, must be systematically networked with each other.

The members of the network are complemented by important industrial clusters such as Robot Valley Saxony and Silicon Saxony. It also receives strategic support from the BMBF's Robot Institute Germany.

The focus is on establishing a joint research center, developing a web-based monitoring system to coordinate research, offering further training opportunities, and implementing measures for networking and knowledge transfer. The aim is to promote sustainable innovation in smart AI-based robotics through effective cooperation and to establish Saxony as a leading location in this field.

Contact Information:

• Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Philip Scharf - IWU:
  philip.scharf@iwu.fraunhofer.de
• Dipl.-Ing. Till Haas - HTWD
  till.haas@htw-dresden.de