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.
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”.
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.
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