Feb 25, 2026
Saxon Industry Association honors Dr Rakesh Nair with the Richard Hartmann Award
From left to right: MP Michael Kretschmer, Prof. Dr. Martin Dix (President of Industrieverein Sachsen 1828 e.V.), Dr. Rakesh Nair, Robert Denk, Head of the Higher Education Department (SMWK), Dr. Jörg Lässig (Vice President of Industrieverein), Katrin Hoffmann (Managing Director of Industrieverein).
Dr Rakesh Nair from the Institute of Applied Physics at Dresden University of Technology has been awarded the Richard Hartmann Prize by the Saxon Industry Association 1828 e.V. for his pioneering work on the development of sustainable, biodegradable electronics based on natural lignocellulose structures. The award ceremony took place during a festive event on the Industry & Science Day on 23 February 2026 at Infineon Technologies Dresden AG & Co. KG.
Rakesh Nair conducts research at the interface of physics, materials science and organic electronics. He gained international attention with the development of ‘Leaftronics’ – a technology that uses natural lignocellulose structures from leaves as functional materials for electronic applications. Dr Nair was able to show that the quasi-fractal scaffolds can be used not only as sustainable substrates, but also as electrodes or energy storage devices.
His research opens up new perspectives for resource-saving, biodegradable electronic solutions – for example, for flexible sensor technology or short-lived electronic applications. His work thus makes a concrete contribution to resource efficiency and the reduction of electronic waste. Patent applications, industrial cooperation initiatives and the preparation of a technology-oriented spin-off underscore the high potential for technology transfer and industrial implementation in Saxony.
During his doctoral studies, Dr Nair filed a total of eleven patents for sustainable technologies, including biodegradable thin-film batteries, water disinfection films and substrates for organic and inorganic electronics.
Dr Nair's research combines high technology and ecological responsibility. His work strengthens Saxony as a location for innovation and shows how sustainable materials can pave the way for a resource-efficient electronics industry.
© Ines Escherich
© Ines Escherich
© Ines Escherich
© Ines Escherich
© Ines Escherich
© Ines Escherich
© Ines Escherich
© Ines Escherich
About the Richard Hartmann Award
On the Industry & Science Day, the Industrieverein Sachsen 1828 e.V. (Saxon Industry Association) presents its annual Richard Hartmann Award, which is endowed with 5,000 euros. The award is named after Richard Hartmann (1809-1878), founder of Saxony's largest machine factory in Chemnitz, whose entrepreneurial spirit promoted the industrial revolution in Saxony and thus the strengthening of the Saxon economy. The Richard Hartmann Award recognises work with outstanding industry-related scientific, technical and business results that are highly innovative and have a significant positive impact on strengthening the Saxon economy.
More information:
https://www.industrieverein.org/foerderpreis.html
Contact:
Dr Rakesh R Nair
Institute of Applied Physics
TU Dresden
Email: