Helmholtz Tech & Industry Day 2026

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Helmholtz Tech & Industry Day 2026: Connecting Research Excellence with Industrial Innovation

On June 9, 2026, the first Helmholtz Tech & Industry Day brought together representatives from research, industry, start-ups, and policy at DESY in Hamburg. Jointly initiated and organized by the Helmholtz Association, Hi-Acts, and Solar TAP, the event created a platform for discussing how scientific excellence can be translated into industrial innovation and societal impact.

Helmholtz Tech and Industry Day at DESY in Hamburg on 09.06.2026.
Photo: Dominik Butzmann Photothek Media Lab

Strengthening Dialogue Between Research, Industry and Policy

The event focused on one central question: How can Germany and Europe accelerate the transfer of scientific breakthroughs into industrial applications?

The program featured keynote presentations, success stories, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to foster exchange between innovation stakeholders. Among the distinguished speakers and guests were Prof. Dr. Martin Keller (President of the Helmholtz Association), Prof. Dr. Beate Heinemann (Chair of the Board of Directors, DESY), Dr. Alexandra-Gwyn Paetz (Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space), Mario Brandenburg (SAP), Sarah Engel (TRUMPF), and Dr. Kevin M. Jablonka (University Jena).

Panel discussion with Prof. Dr. Martin Keller (President of the Helmholtz Association), Dr. Alexandra-Gwyn Paetz (Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space), Mario Brandenburg (SAP), Sarah Engel (TRUMPF), and Dr. Kevin M. Jablonka (University Jena).

Photo: Dominik Butzmann Photothek Media Lab

A recurring theme throughout the day was the importance of strong partnerships between research institutions and industry to accelerate innovation, strengthen technological sovereignty, and enhance economic resilience.

Solar TAP and ASCA Showcase Technology Transfer in Practice

As part of the session “From Research to Industrial Impact”, Solar TAP and its industrial partner ASCA presented the success story “Changing the Face of Photovoltaics”.

Michael Wagner (Forschungszentrum Jülich) and Hafis Hermann Issa (ASCA) presented the collaboration work within Solar TAP.
Photo: Stefanie Ditze Solar TAP

Michael Wagner (Forschungszentrum Jülich) and Hafis Hermann Issa (ASCA) demonstrated how close collaboration between research organizations and industry partners can accelerate the development and implementation of next-generation photovoltaic technologies.

The presentation highlighted the role of Solar TAP in connecting research infrastructures, technology development, and industrial expertise to shorten innovation cycles and support the transfer of emerging photovoltaic technologies into practical applications.

ichael Wagner (Forschungszentrum Jülich) and Hafis Hermann Issa (ASCA) highlighted the role of Solar TAP in connecting research with industry.
Photo: Dominik Butzmann Photothek Media Lab

Building Bridges for Future Innovation

The discussions throughout the day underlined that scientific excellence alone is not enough to create impact. Effective transfer structures, collaborative innovation ecosystems, and long-term partnerships are essential to transform research results into industrial value.

For Solar TAP, the event reflected exactly its mission: accelerating the transfer of emerging photovoltaic technologies by bringing together leading research institutions, industrial partners, and innovation infrastructures.

The first Helmholtz Tech & Industry Day demonstrated the value of creating spaces where research, industry, and policy can engage in open dialogue and develop shared perspectives on future innovation challenges.

Solar TAP would like to thank all speakers, partners, and participants for contributing to a successful first edition and looks forward to continuing the dialogue at future events.

Many inspiring discussions throughout the day highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between research, industry and policy to accelerate innovation.
Photo: Dominik Butzmann Photothek Media Lab

Solar TAP at HANNOVER MESSE 2026 | Connecting Research and Industry for Next-Generation Photovoltaics

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At HANNOVER MESSE 2026, Solar TAP joined Forschungszentrum Jülich to demonstrate how collaboration between research and industry can accelerate the transfer of next-generation photovoltaic technologies into practical applications. Through expert talks and valuable discussions, the platform highlighted its mission to bridge the gap between innovation and market.

Connecting Research with Industry

As part of the joint Forschungszentrum Jülich booth (Hall 11, B22), Solar TAP presented its mission to accelerate the transfer of printed and flexible photovoltaic technologies from research into industrial application. Throughout the week, the platform welcomed visitors from industry, academia, politics and the public, creating opportunities for dialogue on the future of sustainable energy technologies.

Solar TAP brings together leading Helmholtz research infrastructures, scientific expertise and industrial partners to simplify access to cutting-edge photovoltaic research and support companies in transforming promising innovations into market-ready solutions.

Expert Talks on Technology Transfer

A highlight of the exhibition programme were the short presentations by Dr. Jens Hauch and Dr. Stefanie Ditze, who introduced Solar TAP to a broad audience. Their talks provided insights into the platform’s services and demonstrated how close cooperation between research organisations and industry can accelerate innovation in printed and flexible photovoltaics.

“The discussions at HANNOVER MESSE were both inspiring and encouraging. It was great to see the strong interest from companies and other stakeholders in printed and flexible photovoltaics. Solar TAP is designed to bring together the expertise, infrastructure and partners needed to accelerate the journey from innovative research to industrial application.”
– Dr. Stefanie Ditze, Solar TAP

The presentations also showcased how Solar TAP lowers barriers to innovation by facilitating access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, technical expertise and collaborative networks across the Helmholtz Association.

Inspiring Conversations and New Partnerships

Beyond the presentations, HANNOVER MESSE once again proved to be an ideal platform for networking and knowledge exchange. Discussions with companies, policymakers, researchers and innovation stakeholders highlighted the growing interest in collaborative approaches that accelerate the market uptake of emerging photovoltaic technologies.

The many inspiring conversations and newly established contacts reinforced the importance of Solar TAP’s mission: enabling a faster and more efficient transfer of research results into industrial practice and contributing to the energy transition through innovation.

Solar TAP would like to thank everyone who visited the booth and engaged in valuable discussions throughout the week. We also extend our sincere thanks to Forschungszentrum Jülich for the opportunity to present Solar TAP at HANNOVER MESSE 2026.

  • Solar TAP at HANNOVER MESSE 2026. (Copyright Christina Papenfuß / FZJ)

Solar TAP at Helmholtz Energy Parliamentary Evening

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Solar TAP contributes to discussions at the Helmholtz Energy Parliamentary Evening in Berlin.

On 4 March 2026, representatives from science, industry and politics gathered in Berlin for the Parliamentary Evening “Energy Research and Innovation for Germany’s Economic Strength.” The event, hosted at BASECAMP, focused on the role of energy research and innovation in strengthening Germany’s competitiveness and advancing the transition to a sustainable energy system.

Germany faces the challenge of achieving climate neutrality, energy security and economic competitiveness at the same time. Energy research plays a key role in connecting these objectives and accelerating the transfer of innovative technologies into industrial applications.

Exchange between research, industry and policy

The evening began with opening remarks and keynote impulses moderated by Prof. Dr. Bernd Rech (Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin). Speakers included Prof. Dr. Karl Lauterbach (Member of the German Bundestag), Prof. Dr. Martin Keller (President of the Helmholtz Association), Prof. Dr. Jan S. Hesthaven (Vice President of the Helmholtz Research Field Energy) and Prof. Dr. Thomas Thiemann (Senior Vice President Energy Transition Technologies, Siemens Energy).

Copyright: Helmholtz Energy/Setzpfandt

Following the opening session, participants continued the discussions at the Energy Research Marketplace, an interactive format designed to foster dialogue and exchange. At thematic tables, representatives from science and industry presented examples of collaboration and discussed current challenges and opportunities for the energy transition.

Solar TAP perspectives on innovative materials for energy technologies

One of the discussion tables focused on “Innovative Materials for Photovoltaics and Batteries.”

Here, Prof. Christoph Brabec (Forschungszentrum Jülich), member of the Solar TAP Steering Committee, and Tobias Stubhahn (SCIPRIOS GmbH), member of the Solar TAP Network Board, contributed to the discussion on advanced materials and their role in next-generation energy technologies.

Their participation highlighted the importance of close collaboration between research institutions and industrial partners to accelerate the development and implementation of new materials and technologies in the field of photovoltaics and energy storage.

Copyright: Helmholtz Energy/Setzpfandt

Strengthening innovation through collaboration

The event demonstrated the value of open dialogue between science, industry and policymakers. By bringing together expertise from different sectors, such formats help identify pathways for strengthening technological leadership and advancing innovation in the energy sector.

Solar TAP supports this exchange by fostering collaboration between research and industry partners working on next-generation photovoltaic technologies and materials, contributing to the development of sustainable energy solutions.

Solar TAP at the Austrian PV & Storage Conference in Vienna

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Solar TAP Manager Dr. Jens Hauch represented the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg (HI ERN) at this year’s Austrian Conference on Photovoltaics and Storage, held from 4–5 November in Vienna. The event brought together over 400 industry and research stakeholders to discuss the future of photovoltaic deployment, energy storage, and the policy frameworks needed to accelerate the energy transition.

Copyright: Michael Hedl objektiv.gesehen

As part of the conference programme, Dr. Hauch presented a talk titled:

“The PV World Becomes More Diverse – New PV Technologies on Their Way to Market”

In his presentation, he outlined the Helmholtz Association’s perspective on the technological diversification of photovoltaics and highlighted several emerging PV technologies that are approaching commercial readiness. Solar TAP’s mission played a central role in his presentation emphasising how the platform supports technology transfer, industry collaboration, and accelerated innovation cycles across the entire PV value chain.

Copyright: Michael Hedl objektiv.gesehen

The conference discussions underscored the strong momentum of the PV sector and the need for stable long-term conditions to unlock Europe’s full solar potential – an emphasis also reflected in the official press release:

Press Release (German)

Solar TAP thanks the organisers and partners of the Austrian PV & Storage Conference and looks forward to continuing the dialogue on the future of photovoltaic innovation.

Second Solar TAP Network General Assembly

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On October 16, 2025, the Solar TAP community gathered for the Second Network General Assembly at InnovationLab GmbH in Heidelberg. The event brought together Solar TAP Principal Investigators, researchers, and network partners for an inspiring day of exchange, innovation, and collaboration.

Fostering Exchange, Innovation, and Collaboration

Solar TAP Manager Dr. Jens Hauch opened the assembly, welcoming all participants and presenting the latest network updates along with an outlook for the coming year.

Opening Session. Dr. Jens Hauch opens the Second Solar TAP Network General Assembly with an update and outlook. (Image: Stefanie Ditze)

The agenda featured an invited talk by Dr. Michael Kröger from InnovationLab GmbH, who emphasized the importance of courage and clarity in advancing technological innovation.

A key highlight of the day was the presentation of the final Solar TAP Roadmap and Market Study by Wolfgang Mildner. These strategic documents were developed in cooperation between VDI/VDE-IT and Solar TAP, with strong contributions from the network’s industry partners, who shared their expertise and ideas throughout multiple prior workshops.

Roadmap Presentation. Wolfgang Mildner presents the final Solar TAP Roadmap and Market Study, developed with VDI/VDE-IT and industry partners. (Image: Stefanie Ditze)

Further sessions included “Standardization and Simulation in Solar TAP”, led by Carsten Rockstuhl and Eva Unger, as well as insights into innovation opportunities within the Helmholtz Association, presented by Dr. Leonie Riemann from Forschungszentrum Jülich.

Innovation Opportunities. Dr. Leonie Riemann (Forschungszentrum Jülich) shares insights into innovation opportunities within Helmholtz. (Image: Stefanie Ditze)

In addition to the informative sessions, participants enjoyed an open network lunch and a guided lab tour at InnovationLab, gaining insights into its state-of-the-art infrastructure and the diverse possibilities it offers for research and industrial collaboration.

Networking. Participants explore InnovationLab’s infrastructure and exchange ideas for research and industry collaboration. (Image: Stefanie Ditze)

Industry representatives to the Solar TAP Network Board

A special highlight of the industry day was the election of the industry representatives to the Solar TAP Network Board:

Dr. Tobias Stubhan (Sciprios GmbH) and Christian Camus (LayTec AG)

Solar TAP extends its sincere thanks to all participants, speakers, and the InnovationLab team for their excellent organization, hospitality, and inspiring collaboration.

Clean Tech Innovation Day & Solar TAP Industry Day 2025

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Clean Tech Innovation Day & Solar TAP Industry Day 2025: Accelerating Innovation through Collaboration

On October 15, 2025, more than 70 participants from research, industry, and start-ups gathered at the Heidelberg Congress Center for the Clean Tech Innovation Day & Solar TAP Industry Day. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration to accelerate the transition toward sustainable energy.

Participants from research, industry, and start-ups at the Heidelberg Congress Center.
Image: Lukas Adler.

Driving a Sustainable Future through Shared Vision

In his keynote address, Dr. Gunter Erfurt, former CEO of Meyer Burger and a recognized voice for renewable energy, called for decisive action and stronger implementation of Europe’s energy transition. While emphasizing the strength of European research institutions, he urged the audience to move beyond discussions and focus on rapid execution and innovation.

Dr. Gunter Erfurt during his keynote on Europe’s energy transition.
Image: Lukas Adler.

The day’s sessions reflected this spirit of progress: from innovative materials for organic and perovskite photovoltaics to cutting-edge hydrogen technologies and building-integrated solar applications, experts showcased how science and industry can jointly accelerate the development of climate-friendly solutions.

A Close Partnership for Impact

Dr. Jens Hauch, Manager of Solar TAP, highlighted the importance of collaboration:

Dr. Jens Hauch (Solar TAP). Image: Lukas Adler.

“Today’s event impressively demonstrated how essential the close alignment between research and industry is. Only through this partnership can we bring innovative photovoltaic solutions quickly from the lab to market-ready applications.”

Fostering Exchange and New Ideas

The agenda featured three thematic sessions — Innovative Materials, Innovative Processes & Equipment, and Innovative Applications — with speakers from leading institutions including Fraunhofer ISI, BASF, Bosch, Sciprios, SALD BV, Epishine, ASCA, and many more.

Between the sessions, networking breaks and interactive discussions encouraged dialogue and the formation of new collaborations.

Experts exchange ideas during the networking session.
Image: Lukas Adler.

Co-organized by InnovationLab GmbH

The event was co-organized by InnovationLab GmbH and Solar TAP, continuing their joint mission to strengthen the transfer of groundbreaking clean tech research into industrial applications. Dr. Michael Kröger, Managing Director of InnovationLab, noted:

Dr. Michael Kröger (InnovationLab).
Image: Lukas Adler.

“We must work on new and advanced solutions with courage and clarity. That’s what InnovationLab — and our collaboration with Solar TAP — stands for.”

A Catalyst for Clean Technology and Energy Transition

With its interdisciplinary focus and commitment to practical implementation, the Clean Tech Innovation Day & Solar TAP Industry Day 2025 underscored the power of collaborative innovation in shaping a sustainable and competitive energy future.

Solar TAP at the Western Balkans Energy Conference

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Solar TAP at the Western Balkans Energy Conference – Connecting Ideas & Driving Collaboration

On July 10, 2025, Solar TAP Researcher Niklas Albinius from Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin proudly participated in the conference “Decentralized Energy Supply for Self-Consumption with PV in the Western Balkans” in Skopje, organized by AHK North Macedonia. The event served as a key platform for fostering collaboration between German and Macedonian stakeholders on the future of decentralized solar energy.

Invited by the organizers, he delivered an insightful presentation on Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), highlighting the importance of stakeholder communication and sharing best practices from Germany’s energy transition. His contribution underlined how innovative BIPV solutions can unlock new opportunities for sustainable building design in the Western Balkans.

Solar TAP Researcher Niklas Albinius at the Western Balkans Energy Conference

The conference featured a high-level exchange of expertise, with discussions on:

  • Innovative BIPV technologies and effective stakeholder engagement
  • Energy storage solutions and the rise of energy communities
  • Financing mechanisms for PV projects in North Macedonia
  • Strategic consulting, digitalisation, and energy planning for the future of smart energy systems

Through expert presentations, interactive panel discussions, and intensive B2B matchmaking sessions, the event successfully connected innovative German companies with local stakeholders to explore partnerships and accelerate the region’s solar transformation.

By engaging in these dialogues, Solar TAP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sustainable energy transitions, not only by advancing PV technologies but also by building bridges between markets and stakeholders.

The Western Balkans conference once again demonstrated that collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation are essential to shaping a resilient and decentralized energy future.

Solar TAP Digital Twin Workshop for Emerging PV

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Workshop Review: Towards a Digital Twin for Emerging Photovoltaics

From June 30 to July 1, 2025, over 25 researchers, students, and industry professionals gathered virtually across two afternoons to explore the current landscape and future directions of digital twin approaches for emerging photovoltaic (PV) technologies. The workshop provided a platform for exchange across various disciplines and perspectives, spanning from materials science to device simulation and systems engineering. Participants included PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, professors, and representatives from industry. Companies such as JCMwave and Fluxim shared their current simulation approaches and research tools, adding valuable applied insight to the discussion.

The program on Day 1 provided an overview of the Solar TAP initiative, with sessions on morphology formation (Olivier Ronsin, HI ERN), optical simulation (Carsten Rockstuhl, KIT), and photonic modeling using JCMsuite (Sven Burger, JCMwave). These talks emphasized the role of structural and optical modeling in the development of digital twins.

Sven Burger (JCMwave) with session on photonic modeling using JCMsuite @copyright Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
Sven Burger (JCMwave) with session on photonic modeling using JCMsuite @copyright Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
Olivier Ronsin (HI-ERN) with session on morphology formation @ copyright by Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
Olivier Ronsin (HI-ERN) with session on morphology formation @ copyright by Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

Day 2 focused on device-level modeling using SETFOS (Urs Aeberhard, FLUXiM), energy yield modeling (Seyedamir Orooji, KIT), and the application of machine learning and optimization techniques (Pascal Friederich, KIT).

Pascal Friederich (KIT) with focus on the application of machine learning and optimization techniques @copyright by Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
Pascal Friederich (KIT) with focus on the application of machine learning and optimization techniques @copyright by Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

Together, these sessions illustrated how Solar TAP aims to unify a diverse set of modeling tools—from material morphology to system performance—into a comprehensive digital twin framework for flexible, printed, and emerging PV technologies.

The workshop was coordinated by Marie Louise Schubert (KIT) and Carsten Rockstuhl (Solar TAP PI). It brought together researchers from academia and industry to collectively advance the development of digital twins for next-generation photovoltaic systems.

We thank all speakers and participants for their inspiring contributions and look forward to further collaboration within the Solar TAP community.

Solar TAP at the 6th AgriVoltaics World Conference

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Solar TAP Showcases the Future of Sustainable Farming at the 6th AgriVoltaics World Conference in Freiburg

The 6th AgriVoltaics World Conference has wrapped up after three vibrant days of scientific exchange, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration—and Solar TAP was right at the heart of it.

Solar TAP Showcases the Future of Sustainable Farming at the 6th AgriVoltaics World Conference
Solar TAP Showcases the Future of Sustainable Farming at the 6th AgriVoltaics World Conference

As a bronze sponsor of the event, Solar TAP proudly joined researchers, policy makers, and industry leaders in exploring the synergy between agriculture and solar energy. The conference, held from July 1–3, 2025, brought together experts from fields as diverse as photovoltaics, plant biology, hydrology, energy systems, and agronomy. For Solar TAP, it was a unique opportunity to share its vision for a future where printed solar technologies power more resilient and productive agricultural systems.

Solar TAP at the 6th AgriVoltaics World Conference @ Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

At the Solar TAP booth, visitors experienced flexible organic photovoltaic (OPV) modules, insights into printed solar technologies for sustainable agriculture, the first fruits and vegetables grown under Agri-PV — and attendees even tasted the future of farming, with cucumbers and strawberries grown in Solar TAP systems.

First fruits and vegetables grown under Agri-PV @ copyright Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

Within Solar TAP’s conference exhibit visitors had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Onno Muller, an expert in plant ecophysiology and high-throughput phenotyping in agrivoltaic systems; Dr. Matthias Meier-Grüll, who leads Agri-Horti-PV projects and coordinates the interdisciplinary hub “Bioeconomy meets Energy”; and Chantal Kierdorf, who welcomed guests and shared the latest insights into research and practical applications of printed solar technologies in agriculture.

Dr. Matthias Meier-Grüll and Chantal Kierdorf share the latest insights into research of printed solar technologies in agriculture @ copyright Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

One of the highlights was Extended Technical Tour 1 to the Agri-Food & Energy Park in Morschenich, operated by Forschungszentrum Jülich, where Solar TAP innovations are being used in real-world pilot projects combining crop cultivation with real-time data monitoring under APV structures.

Tour to the Agri-Food & Energy Park in Morschenich @ copyright Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
Tour to the Agri-Food & Energy Park in Morschenich @ copyright Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

As the AgriVoltaics World Conference continues to grow in global significance, Solar TAP reaffirms its commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable agriculture and clean energy integration. From lab to field, and now from science to taste, the Solar TAP journey is just beginning.

Joint Solar TAP/Hi-Acts Workshop

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Accelerator Meets Application: Solar TAP and Hi-Acts Host First Joint Industry Workshop at HZB

On May 22, 2025, Solar TAP and Hi-Acts — two Helmholtz Innovation Platforms — co-hosted their first-ever Joint Industry Workshop at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (BESSY II). Held directly after the Solar TAP Industry Day, the event brought together industry professionals, researchers, and innovation leaders to explore the transformative potential of accelerator-based analytics for advanced functional materials.

Under the theme “Accelerator-based Analytics meets Advanced Functional Materials”, the workshop showcased how particle accelerator technologies can drive real-world innovation in sectors such as photovoltaics, energy storage, electronics, and beyond.

Joint Solar TAP/Hi-Acts Workshop @copyright by Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

The program offered a rich mix of perspectives and interactive formats. Participants enjoyed insightful presentations by experts from HZB, DESY, LayTec AG, the University of Potsdam, and FOM Technologies, who showcased real-world applications and technological innovations.

Solar TAP Manager together with industry partners from FOM Technologies. @copyright by Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

In parallel, dynamic discussion tables invited in-depth exchange on topics such as advanced material analysis, nanostructure engineering, in-situ diagnostics, and device characterization. A highlight of the day was the exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the BESSY II synchrotron, giving participants rare access to one of the world’s most advanced accelerator facilities.

Exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the BESSY II synchrotron @copyright by Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

For Solar TAP, this collaborative format provided a high-impact opportunity to align industry needs with research capabilities — particularly in thin-film processing, scalable device fabrication, and diagnostics for printed and hybrid photovoltaics.

By uniting the strengths of Solar TAP and Hi-Acts, this milestone event demonstrated how cross-platform synergy can accelerate the development of competitive, next-generation materials — from the atomic scale to industrial application.