European Innovation Partnership: BTU is helping to shape the future of carbon-neutral aviation

With the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the State of Brandenburg, the Free State of Saxony and the European Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking at the ILA Berlin 2026 air show, the research and innovation structures established in Lusatia will in future be even more closely linked to European activities for the development of low-emission aircraft technologies.

BTU research as a driving force behind the European aviation transformation

Together with partners, BTU is developing and testing technologies that are crucial for the next generation of climate-neutral aircraft. These include:

• hybrid-electric regional aircraft,
• hydrogen-powered aircraft,
• ultra-efficient short- and medium-haul aircraft,
• as well as innovative aircraft systems and energy storage solutions.

The university concentrates this research in particular at the Centre for Hybrid Electric Systems Cottbus (chesco) and within the AERO-Lausitz, CircEcon, PtX Lab Lausitz, Smart Mobility Lab and OST4Aviation research network projects.

Lausitz is becoming a European hub for innovation

The aim of the collaboration is to pool regional and European expertise and accelerate the development of sustainable aircraft technologies. At the same time, the aim is to strengthen the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises in particular, as well as to create new jobs and training opportunities in regions undergoing structural change. 

The participating states of Brandenburg and Saxony are supporting the further expansion of the necessary research and innovation infrastructures in Lausitz, thereby anchoring the region even more firmly in European research and value-added networks.

“For the BTU, this cooperation is an important step towards linking the research structures established in recent years even more closely with European innovation processes. The collaboration opens up new opportunities for joint research and development projects whilst also enhancing Lusatia’s profile as an internationally recognised hub for sustainable aviation technologies,” says Prof. Dr Gesine Grande, President of BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg.

About chesco

The Centre for Hybrid Electric Systems Cottbus (chesco) is a research and transfer initiative of BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and a central component of the emerging Lausitz Aviation and Mobility Innovation Hub. In collaboration with other research infrastructures such as AERO-Lausitz, the PtX Lab Lausitz and the OST4Aviation network, chesco develops and tests technologies for sustainable and low-emission mobility. The centre supports the transfer of scientific findings into industrial applications and strengthens the region’s innovation and competitiveness.