SpaceSpoon - one of the unique spoons limited to 100 pieces

Dear DGM members, dear readers,

Germany has long been regarded as a country of innovation, leading the world in many sectors. The field of materials science and engineering, which has a long tradition in Germany and an unbroken international reputation, is no exception.  "No technical development, no innovative application would come about without materials research in the core and materials development in the broader sense," the German Federal Ministry of Education and Development also refers to this in the framework program "Vom Material zur Innovation" for the promotion of materials research. High-tech concrete, green steel, high-performance magnetic materials for e-mobility, and bioactive implants for tissue regeneration - these are just a few examples of new materials from whose innovation potential the fields of environmental protection, resource conservation, energy and climate protection, mobility and health benefit.

The innovative power of materials is also literally on display at the DGM office in Sankt Augustin. SpaceSpoon - Technology to touch "Made in Saarland" - The DGM is in possession of one of the spoons, limited to 100 pieces, whose xDLIP-treated metal surface is not only visually impressive but also due to its physical surface functionalisation. The special laser structuring was also used in surface experiments on the ISS to prevent biofilms as a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. This type of surface functionalization was developed by the innovative work from the Saarbrücken-based company SurFunction GmbH, a successful spin-off of the TU Dresden, Saarland University and the Material Engineering Center Saarland.

From scientific idea to industrial application - What are the essential steps in setting up a company? What is the importance of scientific cooperation and networks? What personal competencies are needed? As part of our DGM newsletter special "Starting business from science", we introduce you to four companies whose story began with a scientific idea. Read about the personal and professional experiences of founding a company in four exciting interviews with DGM members or DGM member institutes:

With the development of SoluteriAL, the first creep-resistant aluminium, Dr. Alla Kasakewitsch and her team have established as Soluterials GmbH in the production of powder metallurgical products. Dr. Fabian Grasse already worked on fibre-reinforced plastics as part of his doctorate at BAM. He has been managing director of Grasse Zur Composite Testing since 2013. Prof. Dr. Ehrenfried Zschech, CTO and co-founder of the Dresden-based company deepXscan, has also led research in physics and materials science to innovations and new products with the development and commercialization of X-ray microscopes. A path that SurFunction GmbH had also taken, starting from the development of DLIP technology at the Material Engineering Center Saarland and the Fraunhofer IWS Dresden.

"Just do it!" - In this spirit, we wish you a stimulating and exciting read. If you would also like to tell us and the DGM community about your path from science to industry, please write to: pressedgm.de. We look forward to your contribution.