On June 11, 2025, the technical universities of Dresden, Chemnitz, Freiberg and Zittau/Görlitz laid the foundation stone for the jointly initiated Green Circular Economy (CircEcon) research campus at the “Schwarze Pumpe” industrial park near Spreetal.  

The pilot project for a net zero greenhouse gas emissions circular economy in Lusatia, which is unique in Europe, is picking up speed: On June 11, 2025, Prof. Ursula Staudinger, Rector of TUD Dresden University of Technology, Prof. Anja Strobel, Vice-President for Research and University Development at Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC), Prof. Klaus-Dieter Barbknecht, Rector of TU Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF), and Prof. Alexander Kratzsch, Rector of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG), laid the foundation stone for the Green Circular Economy (CircEcon) research campus. It will be funded by the Federal and State governments with around 108 million Euro.  

From 2027, the campus is set to bring pioneering circular economy technologies to market maturity. In addition, the project aims to create new jobs by attracting new companies and to accelerate spin-offs in the region. To mark the start of construction, the partners jointly deposited a time capsule containing the certificate of foundation stone laying, symbolic gifts from the universities, and an issue of a daily newspaper. 

The ceremony took place in the presence of Regina Kraushaar, Saxon State Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, and Dr. Ronald Werner, Head of the Higher Education Department at the Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture and Tourism. 

Prof. Ursula Staudinger, Rector of TUD: 

"Today's ceremony marks the next step in this unique cooperation between the three technical universities in Saxony and the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. Jointly, we will contribute to the transformation of Lusatia into a location for cutting-edge research and high technology. By pooling our expertise in the field of net zero greenhouse gas emissions circular economy, CircEcon will enable us to establish a technology network for the development of novel materials and production technologies as well as process and recycling technologies that is unique in Europe. As a University of Excellence, TU Dresden is extremely pleased to be coordinating the construction measures in close cooperation with its partner universities and on behalf of the SIB, which manages public buildings in Saxony." 

Prof. Anja Strobel, Vice-President for Research and University Development at TUC: 

"With the laying of the foundation stone for CircEcon, we are delighted to have what is now the fourth branch of Chemnitz University of Technology - a significant step towards addressing key future issues relating to climate protection, resource responsibility and sustainable innovation. The focus is on the highly efficient circular economy, which is becoming increasingly relevant as a key technology for a net zero greenhouse gas emissions future. The close cooperation with the technical universities of Dresden and Freiberg as well as the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences strengthens both the scientific networking of the partner universities and our joint regional effectiveness in Lusatia." 

Prof. Klaus-Dieter Barbknecht, Rector of TUBAF: 

"The CircEcon research center in Saxony will be a facility that will have national and European prominence - an impressive example of the strength and future potential of Saxony as a science hub. In this interdisciplinary research facility, the participating universities are pooling their special expertise - for example in the areas of recycling, sustainable production processes and zero-emissions value creation - and thus are creating the basis for a climate-neutral industry of tomorrow. TU Bergakademie Freiberg is contributing its proven expertise in raw materials and recycling management as well as in materials science, non-ferrous metallurgy and forming technology in a targeted manner to the joint platform." 

Prof. Alexander Kratzsch, Rector of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences: 

"The ceremonial groundbreaking for CircEcon marks a moving moment for the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, for Lusatia, and for the future of the circular economy in Europe. CircEcon will be a unique research factory in Europe, linking science, business and society in a completely new way. As an innovation center for pioneering technologies, CircEcon will also become the heart of regional development - a driving force for new jobs, value creation and prospects in Lusatia. The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences will not only contribute decades of research experience, but also its particular strength: practical solutions for complex challenges, from dismantling and mechanical sorting to the thermal conversion of residual materials. We are proud to be taking bold steps forward with CircEcon - together with strong partners, as a university of applied sciences, as part of this region, as shapers of a more sustainable world." 

Once all the machinery and equipment has been installed, the research campus will offer around 14,500 square meters of space for the development and testing of innovative and competitive technologies and processes on an industrial scale that is unique in Europe. 

Bringing innovative technologies into the economy more quickly 

The core research areas of the new campus building include: 

• Intelligent sorting and processing technologies: Developing processes for more efficient recovery of recyclable materials from complex waste streams. 

• Circular material development: Researching and designing materials that are tailored for full recycling from the outset. 

• Digitalization in the circular economy: Using AI and Big Data to optimize recycling processes and create transparent value chains. 

• Sustainable process design: Development and implementation of circular production processes for the industry. 

The project aims to translate new technologies from universities into industrial jobs more quickly, thereby closing material cycles, using resources more efficiently and making a decisive contribution to decarbonization and climate neutrality. From basic research to practical development, innovative solutions for industry and society will be created in short innovation cycles. 

About CircEcon 

Due to the necessary phasing-out of the coal-fired power generation by 2038, Lusatia is in the midst of an accelerated structural change. For the region and its inhabitants, this means major challenges - but also a great opportunity to emerge even stronger. TUD Dresden University of Technology, Chemnitz University of Technology, TU Bergakademie Freiberg and Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences are pooling their expertise in materials, production and recycling technologies. 

It is the first time that joint pilot lines, testing facilities and demonstration systems allow for Saxon research expertise to be combined in a targeted manner. CirCon will develop innovative approaches to efficient recycling management and bring them to market maturity in collaboration with regional companies. Modern technologies such as comprehensive digitalization and artificial intelligence will be used for optimized energy and recyclable material management. The goal is to map the entire value creation cycle in a way with net zero greenhouse gas emissions: from raw material extraction and material processing to re-production on an industry-relevant scale. 

Media inquiries: 
Matthias Fejes  
TUD Dresden University of Technology 
Press Officer  
Tel.: +49 351 463 32882 
Email: