Battery City Münster: Strong Cooperation for Industry and Science
The city of Münster has established itself as a hotspot for battery research. A strong research infrastructure meets internationally active companies. The continuous transfer of knowledge from science to industry contributes to further increase the competitiveness of the battery city – regionally, nationally and internationally. Dr Falko Schappacher, Managing Director of MEET Battery Research Center at the University of Münster – on behalf of Yves Preibisch, Cluster Manager Battery Systems at Technologieförderung Münster GmbH, – and Dr Alex Friesen, Head of Research and Development for Battery Materials at Cabot Corporation, presented how research and industry can benefit from the battery ecosystem and what collaborations can look like at the MEET Academy Online on 14 November 2024.
Ideal Conditions for Strong Cooperation Between Industry and Academia
In the presentation “Battery City Münster, the largest battery research hotspot in Germany and Europe”, Dr Falko Schappacher highlighted the various locational advantages of the Westphalian city for start-ups and large industrial companies. One example is the strong research landscape. In the various institutions, such as MEET Battery Research Center, Helmholtz Institute Münster of Forschungszentrum Jülich or the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB, scientists investigate the entire supply chain of energy storage systems, from basic research to pre-series production and recycling. “In addition, further research facilities for the circular economy of battery systems and a new building complex intended exclusively for the battery industry are being built in Münster and the surrounding area,” said Schappacher, presenting forward-looking projects. “The Technologieförderung Münster is the first contact for small and large companies looking to relocate in the region. It offers support in matters of premises and space as well as in the search for cooperation partners and investment projects,” the Managing Director recommended.
Dr Alex Friesen from Cabot Cooperation presented Münster as a location from the perspective of the international industry. Cabot, which among other things produces conductive additives for the manufacture of batteries, decided on Münster when looking for a location in Europe due to various factors, as the Head of Research and Development explained: “One of the decisive reasons was that Münster offers excellent opportunities for personnel recruitment. The city employs the whole range of highly qualified specialists. In addition, thanks to good career prospects and a city worth living in, we are attractive to applicants from outside the region. Moreover, Münster offers an established battery ecosystem with an excellent laboratory infrastructure.” The Technologieförderung Münster has intensively prepared and supported the establishment of the US company. Since the opening, many collaborations have already been achieved, which also benefit from the proximity of the companies and research facilities to each other.
Next MEET Academy Online in Spring 2025
The 23rd MEET Academy will take place in Spring 2025. The topic will be announced soon. The MEET Academy, which is free of charge, is organized by MEET Battery Research Center at University of Münster.