Using ‘energized ideas’ to find alternative energy solutions – this was the motto for the idea-based competition from KIC InnoEnergy, in cooperation with the Technology Transfer Initiative (TTI) GmbH. The competition focused on ideas and concepts that could contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions. Students, doctoral students, research assistants, alumni from the University of Stuttgart and neighboring research institutions, as well as start-ups and young companies from the TTI network all submitted ideas. From the 20 submissions, seven were selected for the final round.
High Quality
Due to the outstanding quality of the submitted designs, five equally exceptional projects were awarded a prize. This involved a coaching session, intended to offer the successful candidates comprehensive support in developing the concept into a viable business idea, as well as potential investment from InnoEnergy. All those who participated in the competition also received written feedback.
Prof. Bernd Bertsche, Head of the Institute of Machine Components at the University of Stuttgart and one of the managing directors at TTI GmbH praised the excellent quality of the seven finalists’ research-based designs, which impressively demonstrated the successful transfer of technology, namely the transfer of scientific results into profitable scientific concepts.
Timo Lassak, Business Creation Manager for InnoEnergy complimented the outstanding quality of the designs, praising their valuable contribution to innovations in the field of sustainable and alternative energy solutions. “The high quality of the both the finalists’ designs and the winning projects demonstrate the huge scope for finding varied and innovative alternative and sustainable energy solutions. InnoEnergy supports products and services that take a pioneering approach in this field.”
The Prizewinning Teams
Co-extruded Plastic Solar Collector Profiles
This solar collector was presented by Thomas Erb and Fabian Willems, scientists from the University of Stuttgart’s Institute of Plastics Technology. The innovative design comprises a plastic tube collector profile that was manufactured in one single procedure using co-extrusion with functionalized layers. All of the necessary functions were integrated into one single component. The plastic profile fulfills all the requirements of a solar thermal collector profile, but offers better performance in comparison to the plastic collectors that are currently available – and at a very low cost.
Carbon – 3D Printed Lightweight Grippers for Energy Efficient Production
CIKONI is a highly specialized development partner of innovative lightweight and fiber composite solutions based in Stuttgart. Established in 2015, the team headed by company founders Jan-Philipp Fuhr and Farbod Nezami, is working on optimizing the use of the high-tech material carbon. A forward-looking part of CIKONI’s business is the production of modular lightweight grippers. Produced using to a combination of 3D-print design flexibility and the expert capabilities of CFK; these grippers open up new opportunities for future production processes.
h-eoro
This startup, managed by Dr. Csaba Singer, has developed a patent-protected hybrid airplane that is based on independent conceptual and construction-related technological features and combines the best aspects of airplanes, helicopters and balloons.
“rezemo”
This project involved the development of packaging solutions based on renewable raw materials. The focus is very much on rigorous sustainability and the protection of resources along the entire value chain. The integral concept, designed by Julian Reitze and Stefan Zender, was successfully implemented by rezemo for the idea-based competition, with a focus on the principles of reducing emissions along the entire value chain.”
Air Heater Solar Collector
This solar collector has been designed to process coconut fibers. It is part of an industrial process heat plant and has been adapted for use in the coconut fiber industry. It requires little maintenance work, is highly efficient and can even be integrated into existing facilities as an economizer. Furthermore, it can also be used for other industrial processes. This solar collector was developed by Ilyes Benn Hassine.
Contact:
TTI GmbH
Claudia Böhnke
0711-6868749-16