INNOHub for Polymer Engineering in Bayreuth

The Nuremberg Metropolitan Region stands for future technologies and close cooperation between science and industry. An outstanding example of this extraordinary innovation ecosystem is the Innovation Hub for plastics in Bayreuth. Here, the Department of Polymer Engineering at the University of Bayreuth and the „Neue Materialien Bayreuth GmbH“ (NMB) combine their expertise to create space for development and growth - and at the same time deliver pioneering solutions for industry.

A strong foundation: creation and development of the innovation hub

Since 2000, the Department of Polymer Engineering has been working together with the NMB at the interface between research and industry. While the department is located directly on the campus of the University of Bayreuth, NMB is based in Wolfsbach, just five minutes away. This close proximity promotes intensive cooperation with the engineering sciences, chemistry and physics. Research and application-oriented practice go hand in hand here in order to develop innovative materials and quickly transfer them to industrial production.

The innovation hub was created in response to the growing demand from industry in northern Bavaria. In a region characterized by a strong presence of the automotive supply industry and innovative medium-sized companies - so-called hidden champions - there is an enormous demand for new material solutions. The Innovation Hub has set itself the goal of not only meeting this demand, but also promoting research and training at the highest level.

Research and work: Polymers for the industry of tomorrow

The research at the Innovation Hub in Bayreuth focuses on polymer materials - including thermoplastics, thermosets, composites and particle foams. These classes of materials are used in numerous industries, whether in automotive engineering, electronics or aerospace.

The declared aim is always the practical development of new material systems. These are tested in the laboratory, developed as prototypes and finally scaled up to pre-series production. Current research projects include high-performance plastics for electronics, energy-efficient processing methods for particle foams and the production of hydrogen tanks for the aerospace industry. A particular focus is on combining recycling and digitalization - a key aspect for the future of the circular economy.

The hub's innovative strength has already been recognized several times: Neue Materialien Bayreuth GmbH is one of the TOP 100 innovators in Germany, and students and doctoral students have been honored for their outstanding scientific work with prizes such as the Wilfried Ensinger Prize and the REHAU Prize for Technology.

Future-oriented equipment: high-tech solutions for the practice

A first-class technical infrastructure forms the base of the innovation hub. Modern processing machines, extensive analysis methods and IT systems are used to support materials development at the highest level. One outstanding example is laboratory data management, which records experimental data in a structured manner, enables machine learning and thus efficiently advances materials research.

Thanks to the end-to-end infrastructure from material development to prototype production and comprehensive testing, the entire process can be mapped “under one roof”. This variety of options makes it possible to quickly transfer research results into marketable applications and thus significantly shorten innovation cycles.

A team full of innovative spirit

The hub's innovative strength is not only based on state-of-the-art technology, but above all on the people who work here. The team is made up of experts from a wide range of professional backgrounds - from mathematicians to sports technologists and materials scientists. They are supported by highly qualified technicians and assistants who work together to drive the success of the innovation hub.

Organized into four specialized research groups - Functional Thermoplastics and Manufacturing, Foams, Composites and Functional and Circular Thermosets - the Department of Polymer Engineering works on an interdisciplinary basis. Students and research assistants have the opportunity to get involved in ongoing projects from Bachelor level onwards. They complete internships, write their thesis or support the development of new technologies as research assistants. The hub also opens up exciting career prospects for technicians in a dynamic environment.

The innovation hub places particular emphasis on the personal development of its employees. In addition to professional expertise, important soft skills such as teamwork, project management and creative problem-solving are promoted. This is achieved through seminars, visits to international trade fairs and participation in scientific conferences that continuously broaden employees' horizons.

Significance in an economic context

The innovation hub for Polymer Engineering plays a central role in the economic development of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region and beyond. The material systems developed are used in future-oriented industries such as aviation, automotive, electronics and medical technology. In addition, there are cross-cutting topics such as digitalization and sustainable technologies, which are crucial for meeting current and future industrial requirements.

In view of the growing importance of energy efficiency and recycling in the modern economy, the hub is proving to be a strategic hub for innovative solutions. The close integration of research, industry and education makes it a lighthouse in the materials region of northern Bavaria and strengthens the competitiveness of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region.

Conclusion: an innovation hub with future potential

The innovation hub for polymer engineering in Bayreuth embodies the innovation expertise of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region in an outstanding way. Through the close networking of science, industry and education, pioneering material systems and sustainable solutions for the future are created here. With excellent facilities, interdisciplinary teams and pioneering projects, the hub offers a unique space for development and growth - and shows how the region will continue to play a leading role in the innovation landscape in the years to come.