Find out more about our projects at trade fairs in 2026!

To mark its 25th anniversary, E‑world energy & water at Messe Essen was stronger than ever before. Over 37,000 trade visitors attended Europe’s leading trade fair for Energy Economics to find out more. A total of 1,136 exhibitors showcased their solutions for the energy supply sector. Key topics included the energy transition in conjunction with security of supply, as well as the potential applications of new storage technologies and artificial intelligence. BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg repeated its representation with a stand at the joint stand of the Berlin-Brandenburg capital region and showcased the Cottbus Energy Innovation Centre (EIZ).

The exhibition presence significantly raised the profile of the EIZ. The event was viewed as a design challenge – not only in terms of visibility but also in terms of its impact on the ecosystem. Small-scale trials of new ideas were carried out, many new contacts with companies were established, and interesting discussions took place on current developments, innovations and challenges surrounding the energy transition, which also benefit the BTU as a whole. For the first time, partner interviews were conducted live on site.

The EIZSpark start-up team BARQ, which optimises energy in electric vehicle fleets, used the trade fair to raise its profile and was able to sign its first founding agreement at the event.

We would like to thank all participants, stand visitors and organisers, and look forward to E-world 2027!
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Highlights from the BTU stand at E-world energy & water 2025 (© BTU, Christa Müller):

Once again, BTU made a successful appearance at InterBattery, the international trade fair dedicated to batteries, in Seoul (Korea). The Physical Chemistry chair, in collaboration with theReLioS network, showcased BTU’s expertise in the recycling and recovery of battery materials and raw materials from lithium-ion batteries at the joint stand of the Berlin-Brandenburg capital region. The stand was visited by, amongst others, trade visitors from recycling companies, materials producers and processors. Contacts with companies, the regional foreign chamber of commerce, TechnoParks and chambers of commerce were expanded. The trade fair appearance significantly raised awareness of the BTU’s research activities. We would like to thank all participants, stand visitors and organisers, and look forward to InterBattery 2027!
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Highlights from the BTU stand at InterBattery 2026 (© BTU, Jörg Acker):

With a strong showing at HANNOVER MESSE 2026, the “Lausitz Science Park” (LSP) project can look back on a successful event. From 20 to 24 April, the LSP exhibited for the first time at the joint stand of the Brandenburg Economic Development Agency (WFBB) and, together with its partners, showcased Lusatia’s innovative strength in an international context.

Under the motto ‘Home for Innovation’, the LSP showcased research projects, initiatives, start-ups and companies that are already closely linked to the emerging science and technology park in Cottbus. The focus was on forward-looking solutions in the fields of the energy transition, sensor technology, sustainable industrial processes and innovative mobility – key themes for one of Germany’s most dynamic regions undergoing structural change. A highlight was the visit to the joint stand by Brandenburg’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Martina Klement, Berlin’s State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Severin Fischer, and WFBB Manager Sebastian Saule.

The presenting partners included 

• the DLR Institute for Low-Carbon Industrial Processes at the German Aerospace Centre,
• chesco GmbH,
• Negus CB GmbH,
• Gas-Grün-Solution GmbH,
• NMI Technologies,
• SpreeTec neXt,
• Berlin-Lausitz Innovation Corridor,
• Net Zero Valley Lausitz.

CONTACT

BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg
Lausitz Science Park
Julia Raunick
T +49 (0) 170 3683459
julia.raunick(at)b-tu.de

Photos from the exhibition stand (© LSP, Julia Raunick):

BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg was represented this year at AERO Friedrichshafen 2026 – Europe’s leading trade fair for general aviation. From 22 to 25 April, the exhibition centre on Lake Constance once again became a hub for innovation, exchange and forward-looking technologies relating to sustainable aviation.

BTU showcased its SpreeTec neXt project for the first time. At the joint stand of the Berlin-Brandenburg Capital Region (Hall A5, Stand 301), the team presented innovative solutions and exhibits from metal- and plastic-based manufacturing processes for the aviation industry.

The presentation was a resounding success: inspiring discussions, interesting talks, new contacts and exciting ideas.

Particular highlights at our stand included:

• the presentation of an ultra-lightweight drone with AI-supported visual reconnaissance as an example of pioneering, additively manufactured aviation systems
• the technical presentation by Carlos Saunders on rapid thermal simulation in large-scale additive manufacturing
• in-depth technical discussions with industry representatives on specific use cases and potential for collaboration
• the keen interest in additive manufacturing technologies, lightweight construction concepts and new material systems
• the strong exchange of ideas within the Berlin-Brandenburg capital region and the joint visibility of innovative research 

We would like to thank all participants, stand visitors and organisers.
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Highlights from the BTU stand at AERO 2026 (© BTU, SpreeTec neXt):

ILA Berlin 2026 concluded with a repeating increase in visitor numbers and has further strengthened its international standing: around 110,000 attendees came to BER this year, and the strong presence of politicians, industry representatives and international delegations underlined the strategic importance of the aerospace sector.

This year, BTU exhibited alongside chesco at the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) at the Berlin ExpoCenter Airport BER on the joint Berlin-Brandenburg stand. The focus was on hybrid-electric propulsion systems, sustainable aircraft technologies and new approaches to climate-friendly flying. A particular highlight was the rocket engine made entirely using additive manufacturing from an aluminium alloy, which was developed in close collaboration between Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Härtel’s Hybrid Manufacturing chair and chesco. 

A platform for exchange, cooperation and technology transfer
During the trade days, it was primarily political representatives, national and international representatives from a wide range of business sectors, and representatives from other universities who visited the stand and took the opportunity to engage in extensive discussion and networking. chesco is now recognised within the industry as a partner for innovation and development, as demonstrated by the specific enquiries from many visitors regarding progress in research and manufacturing. 

However, there were also a number of prospective students interested in technical disciplines at the stand. In addition, contacts were made with students from other universities who are involved in aviation research and could envisage a collaboration with the BTU.

The next ILA Berlin is scheduled for 17–21 May 2028.

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Highlights from the BTU stand at ILA 2026 (© BTU, Anke Donnerstag, Grit Hagenberger):

At a joint stand, the Lausitz Science Park and the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg showcased start-ups from the Lusatian start-up ecosystem. The trade fair offered these young companies the opportunity to present their innovations to an international audience, forge valuable contacts and engage in discussions with potential partners.

Throughout the event, the focus was on numerous discussions with companies, investors and representatives from the worlds of science and politics. The discussions ranged from innovative technologies and start-up ideas to concrete approaches for future collaborations and joint projects.

Networking as a driver of innovation
The following start-ups and initiatives showcased their work at the joint stand:

• NMI Technologies
• bond-ing
• Cottbus Energy Innovation Centre (EIZ)
• BlackCatAnimationStudios
• Recarbox
• One World Classroom
• BARQ

Participation in GITEX AI Europe underlines the growing importance of Lusatia as a hub for innovation and start-ups. With initiatives such as Startup Lausitz, the Startup Lausitz Accelerator, the BTU’s Founders’ Service and the Lausitz Science Park, the region boasts a strong start-up ecosystem that closely links research, entrepreneurship and business, and supports founders every step of the way from the initial idea to market readiness.

The numerous meetings and intensive exchanges at the exhibition demonstrate that innovations from Lusatia are also attracting considerable international interest. For the participating start-ups, GITEX AI Europe was a valuable opportunity to raise their profile, forge new partnerships and gain important impetus for their future development.

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BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg
Head of Research and Transfer
Olga Isupova
T +49 (0) 160 975 89840
olga.isupova(at)b-tu.de

Highlights from the LSP stand at GITEX AI Europe 2026 (© BTU, Olga Isupova, Julia Raunick):

With 3,170 exhibitors from 59 countries and 180 world premieres, the 30th edition of InnoTrans, the leading international trade fair for Transport Technology, was the largest in its history to date. The focus at the Berlin Exhibition Centre was on new vehicle concepts, Alternative Propulsion, digitalisation, automation and technologies for more efficient mobility.

BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg was represented at the Berlin-Brandenburg joint stand alongside the SpreeTec neXt research consortium and the chair for Production Administration. Over the four days of the fair, the researchers presented innovative research into additive manufacturing: ranging from metal- and polymer-based processes and rapid tooling to novel material developments and repair strategies. Laser- and arc-based technologies for hydrogen applications highlighted the focus on sustainable energy solutions. In addition, they presented AI-based approaches to the planning and management of maintenance orders. 

Above all, the discussions were crucial. The direct exchange with companies, research institutions and potential partners opened up new perspectives and demonstrated once again where our expertise in lightweight construction, materials and modern manufacturing technologies can address specific challenges facing the industry.
We were particularly delighted to welcome Martina Klement, Minister for Economic Affairs, Energy, Climate Protection and European Affairs for the State of Brandenburg, to our stand. Once again this year, InnoTrans provided a strong platform for the capital region and its expertise in rail transport technology.

After all, that is precisely what a trade fair like InnoTrans is all about for us: making research visible, understanding practical needs and allowing initial discussions to give rise to the next joint ideas.
After four intensive days at the trade fair, we would therefore like to say: Thank you, Berlin – and thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand, joined in the discussions and shared ideas with us. Now it’s time to build on these contacts, develop these ideas further and turn these discussions into projects.
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Highlights from the BTU stand at InnoTrans 2026 (© BTU, Gina Gorenz, Julia Raunick):