The unique Fraunhofer innovation platform celebrates its third anniversary
"One of the key advantages of the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform in science and research is the involvement of our scientists in international projects with German partners, leading to a noticeable increase in joint project proposals for European calls. Beyond science and research, this collaboration positively impacts the education and professional development of our PhD students and junior researchers, providing them with opportunities to undertake internships at research institutes in Germany," said Jana Kukutschová, Director of the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Applied Artificial Intelligence for Materials & Manufacturing at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava (FIP-AI@VSB-TUO) and Vice-Rector for Science and Research at VSB-TUO.
Scientific cooperation develops
Each participating institution brings its unique expertise to FIP-AI@VSB-TUO. VSB-TUO excels in artificial intelligence and next-generation computing, Fraunhofer ICT specialises in materials research and energy systems, and Fraunhofer IWU focuses on manufacturing technology. The goal is to take advantage of this synergy in joint research and the preparation of international projects. Currently, researchers are collaborating on four joint projects. One of the recently launched projects is NewHeatIntegrated, which focuses on phase change materials for thermal energy storage.
"This remarkable project is a direct result of the H2020 project GeoUS (Geothermal Energy in Special Underground Structures), successfully completed in 2023. It demonstrates the great importance of collaboration between excellent partners, which forms a solid basis for sustainable innovation, cutting-edge products, and breakthrough solutions," says Dieter Weise, Deputy Director of FIP-AI@VSB-TUO.
Close cooperation with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Prague
Aiming to identify further cooperation opportunities, the Management of VSB-TUO, along with its faculties and scientific centres visited the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT in Pfinztal. Additionally, FIP-AI@VSB-TUO has continued its collaboration with the German Embassy, resulting in several key events. These included a visit from Ambassador Andreas Künne to VSB-TUO last June, a roundtable discussion between University Management and Embassy representatives on energy transition and sustainability, and a traveling digital exhibition "Energy in Transition - Powering Tomorrow."
Strengthening ties with companies
In addition to deepening scientific cooperation, establishing contacts with the commercial sector remains a major challenge. To address this, FIP-AI@VSB-TUO has engaged in activities aimed at bridging the gap between the commercial and academic spheres. For the first time, representatives from FIP-AI@VSB-TUO participated in the Business2Science conference, regularly organised by the Moravian-Silesian Innovation Centre (MSIC). Additionally, they organised the 5th Workshop for Forming and Punching & 1st German-Czech Business Meeting on MSIC premises.
One of the other ways to establish closer contact with companies is through the REFRESH project. "I see this collaboration as a promising opportunity, given our strong ideas, projects, and team dynamics," said Martin Dix, Director of Fraunhofer IWU and member of the Supervisory Group of FIP-AI@VSB-TUO.
FIP-AI@VSB-TUO was established in Ostrava in June 2021 and is the only collaboration of its kind in the Czech Republic. Through this initiative, experts from VSB-TUO and partner institutions not only gain invaluable connections with leading scientists from Fraunhofer ICT and Fraunhofer IWU but also have access to the expertise of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, one of the largest organisations in applied research and development. Currently, there are 14 FIPs worldwide.
Text: Martina Šaradínová, PR Specialist for R&D
Photo: Petr Havlíček