Award-Winning Innovations

Pioneers – Visionary, Impactful, Recognized

How can we heal tissue using electronics? Replace fossil fuels with synthetic alternatives? Make batteries safer? This article brings together award-winning breakthroughs from Forschungszentrum Jülich that tackle exactly these questions. From biochips to quantum technology and deep-tech startups, meet the people shaping the future—with science made for real-world impact.

June 2025

Trailblazer in Bioelectronics

Prof. Francesca Santoro is building bridges between electronics and biology. At the Institute of Bioelectronics, she develops advanced materials that interact with living cells—for instance, to stimulate the healing of skin and nerve tissue through electrical signals.

Her innovations also include smart biochips, such as one designed to mimic the human retina. Her research focuses on improving the interface between neural tissue and electronic microchips. This work is crucial for developing new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and for enhancing communication between prosthetic limbs and the nervous system. Furthermore, her work on artificial neurons opens up promising avenues for advancing AI systems.

For her outstanding achievements, Santoro has received numerous prestigious awards over the years. She was named among MIT Technology Review’s “Innovators Under 35 Europe” in 2018, received the European Research Council’s ERC Starting Grant in 2020, and was honored with the Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year Award in 2021 for her pioneering work on biohybrid synapses — artificial nerve cells combining biological and electronic components. In 2022, she was also awarded the Leopoldina Early Career Award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to science.

Francesca Santoro at Falling Walls: A Conversation about her research and vision for innovations

Her vision: A world of science where women don’t merely participate, but take the lead.

Prof. Francesca Santoro
has received multiple awards for her innovative research and actively supports women in scienc

Prof. Santoro’s goal is to help translate research findings into practical applications. She places great value on interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers and industry partners. At the same time, she is passionate about making science more inclusive. As a mentor, she actively supports women researchers and fosters female entrepreneurship among her students.

Her vision? A scientific landscape where women not only contribute but shape the future — inspiring a new generation of female pioneers.

Research Group Neuroelectronic Interfaces: Designing and engineering devices that interface with the brain

The project “DeCarTrans,” with major involvement from Forschungszentrum Jülich, won two awards at the “Innovator of the Year” competition: the main prize in the “Energy” category and the audience award. The project aims to develop a method for producing synthetic gasoline — a milestone for climate-friendly mobility solutions.

DeCarTrans Named Innovator of the Year

Founded in 2022, the Jülich spin-off “ARQUE Systems” qualified for the finals of the Falling Walls Venture 2024 in Berlin. The startup’s semiconductor-chip-based quantum computing platform takes a novel approach to solving key challenges in quantum technology. These cutting-edge systems are the result of close collaboration between Jülich researchers and RWTH Aachen.

ARQUE Systems Competes at Falling Walls Venture Berlin

The JUICE Innovation Contest honors young researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich who want to bring promising ideas to market readiness. The 2024 winner is “CeraBatt,” with their concept for ceramic solid-state batteries. This technology promises a safer, longer-lasting alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries, intended for stationary energy storage. The winning team received €2,500 in prize money and support from the Startup Village Jülich. The second place went to “Para Digm,” followed by “Nonlinear Magnetic Systems” in third.

CeraBatt Wins Jülich Innovation & Entrepreneurship Contest with Spin-off Idea

The Jülich spin-off 7EX Technologies won first place in the “Business Plan” category at the AC² startup competition, receiving a €5,000 prize. The team around Andreas Kuhlmann, Marten Huck, and Prof. Dr. Hans-Georg Steinrück impressed with a novel electrochemical method for environmentally friendly lithium extraction from seawater and other aqueous sources. With a patent application underway and a clear scaling strategy, 7EX Technologies aims to reduce dependence on global lithium supply chains — making energy systems more sustainable. A strong example of active technology transfer at Forschungszentrum Jülich.

7EX Wins AC² Startup Prize

The Jülich-based start-up SenseUP has won the Tech Tour Bio-based Industries Award 2024. Using biosensor technology, the team develops eco-friendly compounds for agriculture and pharma—including biological insecticides that protect beneficial insects like ladybugs and pollinators. SenseUP also secured a €2.4 million seed funding round, led by Capnamic. With its patented multi-product platform based on precision fermentation, the start-up aims to scale sustainable biopesticides—contributing to a more resilient global food system.

SenseUp gewinnt Tech Tour-Bio-based Industries 2024 Award

Outstanding young scientists have once again been recognized for their groundbreaking work. This year, two researchers received the coveted Helmholtz Doctoral Prize, honoring exceptional doctoral theses that combine scientific excellence with innovation potential. Their achievements highlight Jülich’s role as a powerhouse of cutting-edge research and future-shaping ideas.

Helmholtz Doctoral Prizes for Jülich Researchers

News, success stories, and innovations from Forschungszentrum Jülich

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