The following text has been machine translated from German.
Bringing Innovations into Practice Faster
Prototypes are essential for testing technological innovations. As early as November 2024, Saarland University established a modern FabLab where researchers, founders and companies can produce prototypes using technologies such as 3D printers and CNC machines. Within the framework of “FabLabs4Innovation,” a digital training system is now being developed that enables safe and cross-border access to these production facilities through a standardized FabLab certificate (“FabLab driver’s license”). To this end, Saarland University has joined forces with the University of Lorraine (France) and the University of Liège (Belgium).
Strong Partners for the Greater Region as an Innovation Hub
In addition to the universities, the innovation center Technoport from Luxembourg is involved in the project. Technoport will compile an overview of startup support services in the Greater Region in order to provide targeted assistance to startups. The startup support units of the participating universities are also actively involved, with the goal of turning successful prototypes into new companies and jobs.
EU Funding and Regional Support
The project “FabLabs4Innovation” will be funded for a period of three years from March 2025 by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with a total amount of €990,000. In addition, the State of Saarland (€163,000) and the Wallonia Region (€113,000) are providing financial contributions to support the implementation of the project.
“The ‘FabLabs4Innovation’ project is an important step in strengthening the innovative capacity of the Greater Region. By developing a digital FabLab certificate, we enable researchers and founders to gain fast, safe and efficient access to modern production technologies,” says Michael Jung, Managing Director of Triathlon.
Jürgen Barke, Minister for Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digital Affairs and Energy, adds:
“The ‘FabLabs4Innovation’ project is a prime example of successful cross-border cooperation as promoted through Interreg projects. As the Saarland Ministry for Economic Affairs, we see this initiative as a significant driver for the exchange of know-how and innovative manufacturing technologies among our partners in Germany, France, Belgium and Luxembourg. This intensive exchange will not only strengthen the innovative capacity of the Greater Region, but also open up new perspectives for future-oriented companies.” The project will run from March 2025 to February 2028.
About Triathlon:
Since 1995, Saarland University has systematically supported founders from academia. This long-standing experience was consolidated in 2023 within the central unit “Triathlon – Ecosystem for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Transfer.” Triathlon provides comprehensive support for startup, technology and knowledge transfer ideas and guides them toward economic and operational implementation. Over the past decades, more than 550 companies with around 4,000 jobs have been supported in their emergence from the university. On average, the Triathlon team supports around 120 startup projects per year, resulting in approximately 30 new ventures.
