ForLab Competence Atlas Microelectronics Research at German Universities online

Microelectronics (Copyright: Technische Universität Ilmenau)

Prof. Jens Müller (Copyright: Technical University of Ilmenau)

At the conference "Microelectronics Research in Germany: From Fundamentals to Application," currently taking place in Bochum, the ForLabCompetenceAtlas was launched. The online platform presents the high-tech infrastructure and specific expertise in microelectronics research at 23 German universities. Other research institutions and companies can now access it, establish contacts with the respective universities, and initiate relevant projects.

ForLab Competence Atlas: https://forlab-kompetenzatlas.tu-ilmenau.de/

The ForLab Competence Atlas is a milestone of "Forlab-NataliE," a project funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space, uniting 23 German universities that conduct high-quality research in microelectronics. Lead partner universities are TU Ilmenau, TU Dresden, and Ruhr University Bochum.

The competence atlas is an innovative, web-based database that presents the competencies, technologies, and actors of the ForLab universities through an interactive network.

ForLab Competence Atlas: Expertise and highly specialized infrastructures at a glance

Prof. Jens Müller, head of the project and head of the Department of Electronics Technology at TU Ilmenau, aims to reach a broad group of users with the competence atlas: "The platform is aimed at research institutions and companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, seeking targeted expertise, equipment infrastructure, technological solutions, and cooperation partners. It thus represents an important tool for transfer to industry," adds Prof. Müller, Vice President for International Relations and Transfer at TU Ilmenau.

Stefan Helmerich was significantly involved in the development of the platform at TU Ilmenau: "A particular focus is on making highly specialized infrastructures visible, especially cleanrooms at German universities, which play a central role in research and development projects in areas such as microelectronics or nanotechnology. The competence atlas not only facilitates the search for these resources but also supports easier utilization and stronger networking between science and industry."

After the website's launch, the development of the ForLab Competence Atlas continues. Members can not only update their respective information and add new features, but Stefan Helmerich already plans further content and functionalities: "An important role will be played by the users of the platform. Their feedback from working with the competence atlas will directly influence the further development and implementation of future features. In this way, the platform can be actively shaped by all user groups from research, industry, and administration."

The long-term maintenance and hosting of the atlas will be ensured by the Center for Micro- and Nanotechnologies at TU Ilmenau in close cooperation with the university's computing center.

Info Box: Key Features of the ForLab Competence Atlas

– Easy, centralized access to the competencies of the nationwide network
– Shared database with detailed information on equipment, competencies, and contact persons of individual ForLab partners
– Wide user base from beginners to experts
– Freely accessible website with search capabilities usable without registration
– Numerous options for refining searches and filtering results
– Cleanroom forum as an exchange platform for members of the ForLab network
– Independent management and maintenance of content by authorized users

About ForLab

The ForLab-NataliE project aims to establish a network of German universities focused on microelectronics research. This initiative, funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space, creates a collaborative network that links research and practical applications. By expanding inter-university partnerships and broadening training opportunities, ForLab-NataliE aims to strengthen the next generation of specialists in Germany and accelerate progress in semiconductor and microelectronics technology. With a focus on increasing the visibility of microelectronics research at universities, ForLab seeks to facilitate the transfer of innovative technologies into real-world applications and to promote the next generation of researchers beyond traditional academic boundaries.