Helmholtz Horizons 2018

The Digital (R)Evolution in Science

Modern science would be practically unthinkable without the analysis of large volumes of data. New developments in the fields of digital data processing and complex data analysis are opening up exciting new horizons for data-based research. This rapidly developing field is one of the biggest challenges for the science system and thus also for the Helmholtz Association. Helmholtz Horizons 2018 showcased cutting-edge research that addresses this topic from the perspective of different Helmholtz Research Fields.

Helmholtz Doctoral Prize

The Helmholtz Association awards an annual prize for outstanding doctoral students in each of its six research fields. The prize aims to support talented researchers at an early stage of their career and wants to encourage them to continue working in research. The Helmholtz Doctoral Prize 2018 was awarded at the Helmhotz Horizons Event.

Helmholtz Start-Up Pitch

Helmholtz spin-offs based on technologies and insights developed by scientists over the course of many years of outstanding research. These new services, products, and processes are not only able to significantly improve the state-of-the-art, or make them more cost-effective, they also offer first-time solutions for pressing challenges. Since 2005, over 175 spin-offs from the Helmholtz Association have been founded.

Two thirds were funded by the internal venture program "Helmholtz Enterprise". Three of them pitched their spin-offs at the Helmholtz Horizons event.

Simutence (spin-off project at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) presented by Martin Hohberg, Co-Founder

Simutence develops an improved simulation method for the virtual product development of fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) in the context of services and add-on modules. The role of FRP has a high potential for lightweight construction in vehicle structures due to their high stiffness and low weight. Based on the prediction of manufacturing effects within a virtual process chain, the simulation software enables the first meaningful and reliable modeling of digital twins of fiber-reinforced plastics.

Learn more about Simutence

Kinfinity (founded spin-off of German Aerospace Center) presented by Maximilian Maier, Co-Founder

Kinfinity developed a new generation of multi-modal motion capture and input device for e.g. virtual/augmented reality, robotics and gaming applications. The Kinfinity Glove and Suit takes virtual experience to another level of dexterity and accuracy. Furthermore it gives the user the power to touch, to grasp and to perform any other desired movements – precisely and intuitive.

Learn more about Kinfinity

ReSens+ Space (commercialization project of Helmholtz Centre Potsdam) presented by Martin Otto, project leader

Until now, the mining and resources industries have had to undertake expensive prospection activities and exploration campaigns in order to develop new deposits of mineral resources like rare earths or metals. ReSens+ uses algorithms developed in-house analyzing satellite or aerial images to rapidly determine the location, quality, and quantity of natural resources over an extensive area, remotely.

Learn more about ReSens+ Space