Showcasing universities as drivers of innovation in microelectron­ics: ForLab consortium publishes new competence atlas

The “Research Laboratories Microelectronics Germany” (ForLab), which includes TUD Dresden University of Technology, has published the ForLab Competence Atlas. This platform makes high-tech infrastructures and specific expertise in the field of microelectronics research at German universities both visible and accessible. With the launch of the online database, the project has reached a milestone in strengthening the basis for specialists and young talent working on electronics of the future. Prof. Thomas Mikolajick, Chair of Nanoelectronics at TUD, spearheaded the project. ForLab is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). The rollout was launched at the symposium “Microelectronics Research in Germany: From Fundamentals to Application” (FTME), which took place in Bochum from March 4 to 6, 2026.

Prof. Thomas Mikolajick, coordinator of the ForLab project, explained: "With the Competence Atlas, we are creating Germany-wide visibility of research infrastructures and capabilities in the field of microelectronics at universities for the first time. This will enable us to improve cooperation between university, non-university, and private-sector research and development in a targeted manner. The ForLab Competence Atlas is more than just a platform – it is a strategic tool for anyone who wants to advance microelectronics in Germany. It is therefore a core element of the ForLab strategy, which aims to leverage synergies, promote talent, and bring innovations to application more quickly."

Expertise and highly specialized infrastructures – at a glance

Prof. Jens Müller, head of the subproject and Vice President for International Relations and Transfer at TU Ilmenau, emphasized: “The platform is aimed at research institutions and companies – especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are specifically lookingfor expertise, equipment infrastructure, technological solutions, and cooperation partners. It is an essential tool for transfer to industry.”

However, its development is not yet complete with the launch of the website: Members can update their respective information and add new details via a login area. Additional content and features are also planned for the future. Prof. Mikolajick gave a preview: "I am very pleased that we have succeeded in launching the Competence Atlas in time for FTME 2026. At the conference, it was presented to an audience of experts, thus receiving the attention it deserves for its launch. Now, it is up to all users to contribute their experiences in using the tool and their feedback to us so that we can further develop and gradually improve it to optimally meet the various needs."

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

About ForLab

The ForLab-NataliE project has set itself the task of establishing a network of German universities with core research areas in the field of microelectronics. This initiative, funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), is creating a collaborative network that combines research and practical applications. By expanding inter-university partnerships and educational opportunities, ForLab-NataliE aims to strengthen the next generation of skilled workers in Germany and accelerate progress in the semiconductor and microelectronics sector. With a focus on increasing the visibility of microelectronics research at universities, ForLab strives to facilitate the transition of innovative technologies into real-world applications and to promote the next generation of researchers beyond traditional academic boundaries.

More information: www.forlab.tech

Contact:

Prof. Thomas Mikolajick
TU Dresden
Institute of Semiconductors and Microsystems
E-Mail:

Stefan Helmerich
TU Ilmenau
Center for Micro- and Nanotechnologies (ZMN) / ForLab Competence Atlas
Tel.: +49 3677 69-3416
E-Mail:

Matthias Hahndorf
TU Dresden
ForLab Science Communication
Tel.: +49 351 463-42847
E-Mail: