BTU is preparing the Lusatia region for new manufacturing technology

Now the university is stepping up its efforts: Under the follow-up project, taf II, a further 16.1 million euros from the federal STARK programme will be channelled until 2030 into technology transfer, further training and networking for the region, as well as support for the construction of the new chesco research facility on the grounds of the Lausitz Science Park (LSP).

With the new project ‘Transfer of Agile Manufacturing Processes (taf) II’, chesco is further driving forward technological structural change in Lusatia and supporting regional companies in adopting modern and sustainable manufacturing methods. Building on the successes of taf I, the existing structures for mediation, networking and skills development are being strategically expanded into a fully-fledged vocational further training programme. At the same time, the project is supporting the further development of the chesco research factory and its relocation to the planned new chesco building in the Lausitz Science Park (LSP).

Like the completed TAF I project, TAF II is funded by the Central Scientific Institution (ZWE) at the Centre for Hybrid Electric Systems Cottbus (chesco) of the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU). The idea is to transfer research knowledge from more than 30 chairs at the university directly to small and medium-sized companies in the region.

Like taf I, taf II is funded through the STARK federal programme, which supports non-investment projects aimed at the economically, environmentally and socially sustainable transformation of coal-mining regions. A total of 16.1 million euros will be available to the project over the next four years, until mid-2030. 

“With taf II, we are building on what lies at the heart of the BTU: excellent research that has a practical impact. Over 30 chairs at our university are bringing their expertise directly to businesses in the region – this is technology transfer in action and, at the same time, proof of the innovative strength of BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg,” says Prof. Dr Gesine Grande, president of BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. “With chesco and the planned new building in the Lausitz Science Park, we are not only strengthening structural change in the Lausitz region, but also enhancing our university’s profile as a driving force for sustainable manufacturing technologies and as an attractive location for researchers, skilled workers and businesses.” 

Dr Manja Schüle, Minister for Science, says: “Lausitz has set out to shape its own transformation – and the chesco research factory shows how: through research and new technologies, strong partnerships and concrete prospects for businesses and skilled workers. The taf II project builds on the successes of its predecessor, taf I, and further expands technology transfer, networking and the upskilling of businesses. At the same time, the development of a modular vocational training programme is creating new opportunities to specifically equip skilled workers with the skills required for modern and sustainable manufacturing. That’s how successful structural change works."

What taf II achieves for the region

taf II builds directly on the results of taf I and focuses on three areas of activity with an external impact: visibility and outreach, expanding networking with industry partners, and the (further) training of companies. These are complemented by two work packages relating to the operation of the research factory and its expansion into the new chesco building. The focus is on: 

• Transfer of specialist knowledge on specific topics relating to additive and subtractive manufacturing, measurement technology and digital technologies,
• Empowering companies to adopt sustainable production methods, including resource-efficient processes, circularity and digital connectivity (for example, predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring),
• Expanding the range of training opportunities by developing a modular vocational further education programme with micro-credentials and certified training pathways at the BTU. 

In doing so, taf II aims to ensure that companies not only understand sustainable production methods but are also able to actively implement them. 

chesco new building: revitalising the Lausitz as a centre of science

A dedicated work package within taf II supports the relocation of the existing research factory to the new chesco building, which is being constructed on a site covering approximately five hectares in the Lausitz Science Park (LSP) in Cottbus. 

In future, the LSP is set to function as a central innovation platform that brings together academia, industry and start-ups, as well as the university’s structural change projects – such as chesco, the Energy Innovation Centre (EIZ), SpreeTec neXt or the Cottbus Innovation Campus for Electronics and Microsensors (iCampus) – and coordinates the region’s scientific, economic and technological structural transformation. Until the move takes place, the existing infrastructure at the Cottbus-Dissenchen site, with its development, manufacturing and testing facilities, will remain fully operational.

Looking back: What taf I has achieved for Lusatia 

The aim of the first project was to provide regional companies – in particular metalworking businesses in Lusatia – with access to agile, modern manufacturing methods and to empower them to establish sustainable production practices. To this end, the chesco research factory was set up in rented halls in Cottbus-Dissenchen: a model factory that combines state-of-the-art manufacturing, testing and digitalisation technologies.

The results after just under four years of the project:

• The chesco research factory was officially opened on 24 May 2024 in the presence of numerous prominent figures from the worlds of science, politics and the mobility sector.
• Two open days attracted several hundred visitors from the general public.
• The chesco Contact Conference has successfully established itself as a networking platform for companies in the region. This year marked the sixth edition of the annual conference. In Phase II, the event will be developed into a specialist symposium.   
• The following have already been realised at the Cottbus-Dissenchen site: 65 per cent of the total of 150 planned machines for innovative manufacturing technologies, one of eight planned test benches for components and prototypes, and 43 per cent of the digital capabilities (including digital twins, network infrastructure and cyber security, simulation and analysis).
• In 2025, the project team was represented at a total of 37 trade fairs and (networking) events, either as a participating organisation or as a host, reaching around 1,900 people.
• The ‘Innovationsdruck’ network, established in collaboration with the German SME network, BVMW e.V., now has 60 members.
• In total, over 30 companies and institutions have been secured for concrete, ongoing collaboration; 28 written letters of intent (LOI) for collaboration with regional companies have already been signed. 
• Since the project began, 21 training workshops have been held. Almost half of the participants received a university certificate. 
• Practical collaboration with companies has already yielded tangible results: in the chesco pilot project with Orthopädie- und Reha-Team Zimmermann GmbH, a novel 3D-printed structure for customised orthoses was developed, which is currently undergoing the patent application process. The chesco team was able to assist the Cottbus-based company Negus CB GmbH by carrying out measurements on its patented product, the ‘Comfort Booster’. chesco is collaborating with the start-up additiveStream4D GmbH to optimise the hybrid manufacturing of metal 3D-printed structures. In addition, there are demonstrators such as an electric motor visualised using virtual reality and a prototype for a vertical-axis rotor for a wind turbine.
• The more than 30 chairs at the BTU involved in chesco have published over 100 scientific papers on their research findings since 2020, which are being incorporated into technology transfer.

“With taf I, we have demonstrated that there is considerable interest and a concrete need for innovative manufacturing technologies in the region, and that the Transfer of Knowledge and Technology from academia to the regional economy is working well. With TAF II, we are building on this very foundation and further developing needs-based programmes on sustainable production methods that directly advance the professional practice of employees and managers. Regional companies are gaining even more targeted access to specialist knowledge in the field of manufacturing,” says Prof. Dr.-Ing. Klaus Höschler, from the BTU Aeroengine Design chair. Together with Prof. Dr.-Ing. Georg Möhlenkamp, from the BTU Department of Power Electronics and Drive Systems, he heads the Central Scientific Facility at chesco. “At the same time, as part of the project, we are organising the transition of the chesco research facility to the new chesco building so that we can work on innovative technologies even more efficiently,” adds Prof. Möhlenkamp. “In doing so, we aim to help raise the profile of Lusatia in the international arena and to help establish the region as a centre for future technologies and sustainable industry.” 

About chesco and the taf project 

The Centre for Hybrid Electric Systems Cottbus (chesco) is a research and technology transfer initiative of the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and forms part of the emerging Lausitz Science Park. Over 30 chairs from Faculties 1 to 3 are pooling their expertise on innovative technologies for sustainable mobility – particularly aviation – and sustainable production. The chesco research factory in Cottbus-Dissenchen forms the heart of the taf project and serves as a real-world laboratory for modern manufacturing technologies. The aim is to rapidly translate research findings on hybrid and electric powertrains, as well as innovative production processes, into industrial applications, thereby strengthening Lusatia’s capacity for innovation and competitiveness.
 
Contact:
Dr Katja Elisabeth Franke
, Project Communications, chesco taf II
M, +49 (0) 151 59929468
, franke(at)b-tu.de
, www.b-tu.de/chesco