Switch to 'ON': Competence Atlas for Microelectronics Research at German Universities is online
Key milestone of the ForLab-NataliE project reached – interactive web platform now available
The starting signal was given at the symposium ‘Microelectronics Research in Germany: From the Basics to Application’, which is currently taking place from March 4 to 6, 2026, at the Ruhr University Bochum and the German Mining Museum in Bochum. During the conference, the official signal was given to launch the ForLab Competence Atlas – a platform that makes the high-tech infrastructures and specific expertise in the field of microelectronics research at German universities visible, searchable, and accessible.
The launch of the ForLab Competence Atlas marks a key milestone in the Forlab-Natalie project. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR), the project is a consortium of currently 23 German universities conducting high-caliber research in the field of microelectronics. The leading universities are Dresden University of Technology (TUD, Prof. Thomas Mikolajick), TU Ilmenau (Prof. Jens Müller), and Ruhr University Bochum (Prof. Martin Hoffmann).
The Competence Atlas is an innovative, web-based platform organized in the form of a database and an interactive network. It lists the competencies, technologies, and key players at the ForLab member universities.
Expertise and highly specialized infrastructures – at a glance
Prof. Jens Müller, project manager and Vice President for International Relations and Transfer at TU Ilmenau, explains: “The platform is aimed at research institutions and companies – especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – that are specifically looking for expertise, equipment infrastructure, technological solutions, and cooperation partners. It is therefore an important tool for transfer to industry.”
Stefan Helmerich, who played a key role in developing the platform at TU Ilmenau, adds: “There is a particular focus on highlighting highly specialized infrastructures, especially clean rooms at German universities, which play a central role for research and development projects in areas such as microelectronics and nanotechnology. The Competence Atlas not only makes it easier to find these resources, but also supports easier use and stronger networking between science and industry.”
However, the development is not complete with the launch of the website. Members can keep their information up to date and add new information via a login area. Further content and features are also planned for the future. Stefan Helmerich gives an outlook: “The users of the platform will also play an important role here: their feedback from working with the Competence Atlas will be directly incorporated into the further development and implementation of future functions. In this way, the platform can be actively shaped by all user groups from research, industry, and administration.”
The long-term maintenance and provision of the atlas will be ensured by the Center for Micro- and Nanotechnologies at the TU Ilmenau in close cooperation with the university’s computer center.
Key Features of the ForLab Competence Atlas
- Easy, central access to the competencies of the nationwide network
- Shared database with detailed information on equipment, competencies, and contact persons of the individual ForLab partners
- Broad user base from beginners to experts
- Freely accessible website with search options that can be run without registration
- Numerous options for refining searches and filtering results
- Cleanroom forum as an exchange platform for members of the ForLab network
- Independent management and maintenance of content by authorized users is possible
The ForLab Competence Atlas can be accessed via the following URL:
https://forlab-kompetenzatlas.tu-ilmenau.de/
Media contact:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jens Müller
TU Ilmenau, Department of Electronics Technology Tel.: +49 3677 69-2606
E-mail: jens.mueller@tu-ilmenau.de
Stefan Helmerich
Ilmenau University of Technology, Center for Micro- and Nanotechnologies (ZMN) / ForLab Competence Atlas Tel.: +49 3677 69-3416
E-mail: stefan-marius.helmerich@tu-ilmenau.de
Matthias Hahndorf
TU Dresden, ForLab Science Communication Tel.: +49 351 463-42847
E-mail: matthias.hahndorf@tu-dresden.de