Research and services

Our research group is deeply embedded in a dynamic ecosystem of academic institutions, industrial partners, regional stakeholders, and innovation networks. These collaborations enhance the translation of research into practice and support the transition toward a sustainable, circular, and bio-based economy.​

Strategic Networks & Innovation Clusters

We are a core academic partner in the AUFBRUCH Graduate Cluster, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). This interdisciplinary network unites leading institutions such as RWTH Aachen, HHU Düsseldorf, TU Dortmund, TH Köln, Hochschule Niederrhein, and Forschungszentrum Jülich, aiming to empower young scientists to shape the future bioeconomy of the Rhenish mining area.​ In the eSuccinat project, which focuses on the production of bio-based succinic acid from CO₂, we collaborate with industrial partners including BASF SE, Heubach GmbH, BluCon Biotech GmbH, and Kynol Europa GmbH.​ As part of the Helmholtz Cluster for Hydrogen (HC-H2) and in collaboration with the Institute for Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (INW) at Forschungszentrum Jülich, we contribute to the development of sustainable hydrogen technologies and their integration into existing energy and material cycles.​ Additionally, we are involved in the Graduate School for Applied Research in North Rhine-Westphalia (PK NRW), specifically within the Department of Resources and Sustainability, which focuses on interdisciplinary research and doctoral education in resource management and sustainable development.

We also collaborate closely with DECHEMA e. V., Germany’s key scientific society for chemical engineering and biotechnology. Prof. Nils Tippkötter is a board member of the DECHEMA division Biobased Value Chains. Moreover, our group contributes to professional education through DECHEMA's advanced training programs for industrial scientists, such as the course on Targeted Bioprocess Development.

Regional Development Agencies & Innovation Hubs

Our research group actively collaborates with a diverse network of regional partners to drive sustainable innovation and economic development in the Rhenish mining area and beyond.​

• AGIT mbH: As the regional economic development agency for the Aachen Technology Region, AGIT supports companies with services such as start-up and innovation consulting, business services, location development, technology transfer, and access to scientific and business networks. ​
• Ideenfabrik Euskirchen: Located in the historic cloth factory in Euskirchen, the Ideenfabrik serves as a Sustainable Innovation Hub, accompanying companies on their path to sustainable transformation, promoting innovative business models, and supporting start-ups through various programs.
• Wirtschaftsregion Euskirchen: The economic region of Euskirchen offers a diversified and balanced economic structure, providing jobs for a large catchment area. It hosts major industrial and commercial sites like the Industriepark am Silberberg (IPAS) and the EURO-Park, accommodating companies such as Procter & Gamble and Nestlé Purina PetCare.

Start-up Support & Entrepreneurship

• FH Aachen Start-up Centre: The Gründungszentrum of FH Aachen provides interdisciplinary support for students, alumni, and scientific staff in all phases of founding technology-oriented, sustainable, or digital innovations. Services include coaching, prototyping, business plan development, and access to a broad network.
• Startup Village Jülich: Situated within the Brainergy Park, the Startup Village offers a unique ecosystem and support for sustainably oriented founders, start-ups, and SMEs. It provides spaces and professional infrastructure for exchange, creativity, and innovation, fostering the development of sustainable business ideas.