News

DLR spin-off ensures safe interaction between robots and humans

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) has announced the development of a new robotic system designed to increase efficiency and flexibility in industrial production. The spin-off company Versatile Robotics GmbH is part of the DLR initiative “Factory of the Future”, which aims to revolutionize manufacturing processes through advanced robotics and digitization.

The new system features lightweight, torque-controlled robotic arms that mimic the movements of the human arm, enabling intuitive and safe human-robot collaboration. These robots can be easily reprogrammed for different tasks, making them suitable for the production of small batch sizes and individualized manufacturing.

The DLR Factory of the Future integrates the latest research in artificial intelligence and cooperative robotics to simplify and optimize production processes. By utilizing technologies originally developed for space travel, DLR aims to introduce innovative solutions to the manufacturing industry, thereby increasing productivity and adaptability.

In 2023, the project on compliant robot control was funded as a Field Study Fellowship as part of Helmholtz Enterprise. This funding program allows customer needs to be explored and interviews to be conducted. Projects and ideas are supervised by a professional coach. Sound exciting? Find out more about the program here:

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DKFZ and Beiersforf - Collaborative Research for Next-Generation Sunscreens

11. Dezember 2024

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University are jointly developing innovative approaches for the sunscreens of the future. Their research focuses on new compounds that not only protect against UV radiation but also repair DNA damage in skin cells, aiming to provide comprehensive protection against skin cancer.

This initiative combines expertise in dermatology, cancer research, and biochemistry to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these substances. In addition to skin cancer prevention, the new sunscreens will be designed to meet environmental and ecological standards. Close collaboration with industry partners aims to bring these innovations to market quickly.

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Amplitude and HZDR Establish Joint Research Lab for Next-Generation Laser Technologies

11. Dezember 2024

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) and the Amplitude Laser Group are strengthening their 18-year collaboration by founding a joint research laboratory in Dresden. Building on the successes of the high-power DRACO laser, the partnership aims to advance laser diagnostics, technologies, and applications, focusing on electron and proton acceleration as well as radiobiological applications for cancer research.

To enhance the collaboration, Amplitude is relocating research and development resources from France to Dresden, funding PhD positions at HZDR, and establishing a local team. This partnership highlights Helmholtz’s commitment to translating research into applications and fostering international collaborations. The initiative is supported by Hi-Acts, the Helmholtz innovation platform for accelerator-based technologies.

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KIT Spin-off INERATEC Wins German Sustainability Award in the Fuel Industry Category

November 27, 2024

Karlsruhe-based INERATEC, a spin-off of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), has been awarded the German Sustainability Award 2024 in the Fuel Industry category. The company was recognized for its groundbreaking contribution to sustainable energy solutions through its production of synthetic fuels using renewable energy and CO₂.

INERATEC's innovative reactor technology enables the efficient synthesis of e-fuels, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels. By utilizing captured carbon dioxide and green hydrogen, the company addresses key challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in hard-to-decarbonize sectors like aviation and shipping.

This prestigious recognition underscores the importance of advancing clean energy technologies to achieve global climate targets. INERATEC continues to expand its production capacities, driving the transition to a climate-neutral energy system.

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39th Helmholtz Enterprise Selection Meeting funds six spin-offs and 15 Field Stury Fellowship projects

November 19, 2024

In the 39th intake pitches of the spin-off programme Helmholtz Enterprise, we have selected six new spin-offs and 15 inquisitive Field Study Fellowship projects together with our outstanding jury of VCs, business and science.

The teams will start in the new year and we are excited to accompany them on their entrepreneurial journey:

• EDY Diagnostics (DKFZ Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum)
• KCP (Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT))
• PoreX (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt e.V.)
• DeKox (Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung)
• SideroGaIn (Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR))
• SUNEO (Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT))

Massive thanks to Alex Koch, Stephan Schulze, Leonie Erhard, Yann Fiebig, Thomas Grandke, Lea Bogner, Mirco Müller, Angelika Vlachou, Agnes von Matuschka, Daniel Steffen, Jan Elmiger und Jörn Krupa.

Apply by March 28, 2025 for a Field Study Fellowship to learn more about your future customers and their problems. Or apply for the Spin-off Program to turn your idea into a company.

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DLR spin-off receives 1.7 million euros in funding

November 10, 2024

The spin-off project of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) ExoMatter has successfully closed a pre-seed financing round of 1.7 million euros. The round was led by Vanagon.vc, with other investors including Bayern Kapital, 212 NexT, Bloomhaus Ventures AG, ZAKA VC and four female business angels from encourageventures e.V. ExoMatter uses an AI-powered platform to help companies develop new, high-performance and sustainable materials - up to 90% faster than conventional processes. This reduces costs and emissions and promotes sustainable innovation. According to Susanne Fromm from Vanagon Ventures, this technology helps companies to prepare for upcoming EU regulations such as the Ecodesign Directive. With customers such as Airbus and Infineon and a clear growth trajectory, ExoMatter aims to become the leading platform for digital material development in Europe. ExoMatter was funded as a DLR spin-off as part of Helmholtz Enterprise in 2022.

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Helmholtz Centre DLR researches driverless trains

November 07, 2024

The German Aerospace Centre (DLR) is researching the use of driverless trains in regional rail transport as part of the "ARTE" (Autonomous Regional Train Evolution) project. The aim is to enable automated driving without extensive modifications to the railway infrastructure - simply by retrofitting the vehicles. As many routes are not equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS), the trains should be able to recognise and interpret signals independently. Partners are the railway technology provider Alstom and the Technical University of Berlin. The DLR is comprehensively analysing how driverless operation can be integrated into the railway system and is investigating the effects on infrastructure, operating costs and the role of railway personnel, who will increasingly take on monitoring and control tasks in the future. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and the Ministry of Economics of Lower Saxony.

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Inspiring insights at the Start-up Days 2024 in Munich

October 25, 2024

From 17-18 October, more than 120 scientists and founders met at the Start-up Days 2024 in Munich to share their start-up ideas and experiences. Every year, the four major German research organisations Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Max Planck Society, Leibniz Association and Helmholtz Association plan this event to offer their researchers a platform for sharing and learning. Organised by the Max Planck Society, the event offered workshops and lectures on start-up topics such as financing, team building and market strategies. The panel discussion with experienced founders provided valuable insights into the everyday life and challenges of young companies. In addition to networking and knowledge transfer, the focus was on building lasting contacts. The next Start-up Days will take place in Berlin in 2025.

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DLR spin-off signs licence agreement

October 14, 2024

The Exploration Company (TEC) and DLR spin-off InSpacePropulsion Technologies (ISPTech) have signed a licence agreement. This enables TEC to use the green hypergolic propellant HIP_11 for its Nyx space capsule, which is scheduled to fly in 2027. HIP_11, developed by ISPTech's CTO Felix Lauck, offers advantages such as low toxicity, easy handling and cost efficiency. ISPTech, a DLR spin-off, specialises in environmentally friendly propulsion technologies. Nyx will initially be used for cargo missions, but will later also be able to transport people. ISPTech was funded as a DLR spin-off as part of Helmholtz Enterprise in 2022.

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MDC and Bruker open co-creative Center of Excellence for single-cell omics

July 9, 2024

The Max Delbrück Center and Bruker, a leading analytical instrumentation company, opened their joint Innovation Center for Systems Medicine on July 8, focusing on the development of mass spectrometry-based single-cell and multi-omics technologies. The "MDC-Bruker Center of Excellence for Single Cell Omics" in Berlin, which we are funding as part of the Helmholtz Co-Creation Projects scheme, will provide researchers with access to Bruker's advanced technologies and expertise, while Bruker will gain clinical insights through the collaboration. The aim is to develop a multi-omics workflow that can analyze proteins, metabolites and lipids simultaneously. The project will enable researchers to better understand how diseases develop and progress at the cellular level by analyzing these body components at the single cell level. The consortium hopes that this will enable more precise medical diagnoses and treatments. The co-creative partnership is intended to generate new research partnerships and technological applications in the long term and also strengthen Berlin as a hub of innovation.

MDC press release →

ISPTech raises 2 million euros for the further development of its propulsion technology for space vehicles

July 3, 2024

ISPTech, a spin-off of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and Helmholtz Enterprise-Alumunus, has received 2 million euros in pre-seed funding for its environmentally friendly propulsion technologies. These propulsion systems utilise non-toxic propellants and offer cost-effective, high-performance solutions for spacecraft ranging from small CubeSats to large satellites. The investor round was led by High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), with participation from First Momentum Ventures and Possible Ventures. ISPTech's technologies, based on over 10 years of research, aim to make the space industry more sustainable and meet the need for affordable, reliable propulsion systems of this type. First deployments of the propulsion systems are planned for the end of 2025 to demonstrate their functionality and performance.

Website ISPTech →
HTGF Press Release →

Heidelberg Epignostix GmbH, a spin-off from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), has secured €4.3 million in seed funding to advance its AI-driven cancer diagnostics technology

July 02, 2024

The funding round was led by CARMA FUND I Capital GmbH & Co KG, with participation from High-Tech Gründerfonds, LBBW Venture Capital GmbH, and Start-up BW Seed Fonds.

The company's technology combines epigenetics with AI-powered bioinformatics to enable precise classification of cancer subtypes, particularly focusing on brain tumors. This approach utilizes DNA methylation patterns as genomic fingerprints and has been applied to over 150,000 patient samples.

Heidelberg Epignostix plans to launch its Heidelberg Brain Tumor Classifier as an approved diagnostic test by 2025, aiming to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient care in line with WHO guidelines recommending methylation-based tumor classification.

"We are focusing on brain tumors first, where a sizeable patient population and high relevance in childhood cancer have already led to rapid adoption but will expand into other tumor indications quickly," said co-founder Felix Sahm.

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