Picture: Prof. Dr. Bastian Etzold, Holder of the Chair of Power-to-X Technologies at Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen–Nürnberg (FAU)
In December 2024, Prof. Dr. Bastian Etzold, holder of the Chair of Power-to-X Technologies established in 2023 at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), approached the Chemistry Cluster Bavaria with a concrete request: support in identifying additional suitable industrial project partners for a proposal under the ERDF funding programme Strategic Technologies for Europe (STEP).
The goal: a research project to develop innovative AI-supported digital twins to improve energy efficiency and drive electrification in the chemical process industry. The aim is to make processes more efficient, reduce costs, and at the same time contribute to the decarbonisation of the chemical industry. The project also evaluates different transition pathways and options and creates a basis for well-founded investment decisions.
Within a very short time, we mobilised our network, established direct contacts, and expanded the pool of potential partners, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. We also went beyond our member base – for example, by engaging regional business development agencies in Weiden, Neustadt an der Waldnaab and Tirschenreuth, as well as public authorities.
Thanks to this targeted outreach, a broad and regionally balanced project team was assembled.
Within just four weeks, a project team of eleven Bavarian companies was formed – including six SMEs. This fulfilled the minimum requirement for submitting the proposal.
All participating companies confirmed their active involvement by signing Letters of Intent (LoI). The proposal was approved in June 2025, and the project officially began in July.
This example illustrates how we, as a cluster, operate at the interface between science and industry: with sector understanding, many years of experience in technology transfer, and direct access to decision-makers, we translate ambitious research ideas into viable collaborations.
Prof. Dr. Bastian Etzold, Holder of the Chair of Power-to-X Technologies, FAU
“The professional and efficient collaboration with the Chemistry Cluster Bavaria was excellent. Only with the Cluster’s network – combined with our own – was it possible to assemble an outstanding project team with strong industrial participation in such a short time.”
Dr. Vroni Walter, Member of the Executive Board, Epple Druckfarben AG
“For us, participation is an opportunity to make our processes more sustainable and efficient – using the most modern digital tools.”
Sebastian Ziller, Head of Development, Süd-West-Chemie GmbH
“Thanks to the support of the Chemistry Cluster, we were able to become part of a project that gives us access to cutting-edge technology and innovative software solutions.”
Prof. Dr. Etzold’s chair was established as part of the High-Tech Agenda Bavaria and the renowned Bavarian Distinguished Professorship Programme. The project is thus not only an example of successful technology transfer, but also a contribution to strengthening Bavaria as a science and industry hub.
It also symbolises the role of the Chemistry Cluster Bavaria: scientific excellence meets industrial practice – creating collaborations that accelerate innovation.
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