On June 25, 2026, FEINST and NextLayer represented the Just Transition Center (JTC) at the Grand Award of the „From Lab to Market Challenge 2026“ , —the finale of a national competition that supports researchers in developing scientific ideas into market-oriented business concepts.
After successfully reaching the finals, both JTC-teams presented their research-based venture ideas alongside other promising science-driven projects from across Germany. Here special recognition goes to Maria Gaudig and Sebastian Zimmermann, who took the stage with courage, clarity and commitment – giving both teams a strong voice in the national final.
While the podium places went to three other teams, all remaining finalists were ranked jointly in fourth place. Congratulations to all!
For FEINST and NextLayer, reaching the final stage was an important milestone: both teams gained national visibility, tested their venture ideas in front of experts and received valuable feedback for the next steps in their transfer journey.
Our JTC teams at the Grand Award in Leverkusen:
FEINST represented by Maria Gaudig and Shixian Huang as well as their teamlead Haojie Zhang. FEINST is developing a compact electrochemical cell with an integrated magnetic-field element. The approach aims to improve reaction conditions and increase efficiency in electrochemical applications.
NextLayer represented by Sebastian Zimmermann, Oliver Wolf, their teamlead Torsten Hölscher as well as Matthias Maiberg as an additional team member.
NextLayer focuses on simulation and optimization software for thin-layer applications. The project addresses the need for better digital tools in the development and scaling of advanced layer technologies.
Their participation underlines what research-based transfer at the JTC is about: moving scientific ideas closer to application, impact and regional value creation.
Congratulations to both teams for their strong performance, commitment and progress throughout the challenge.
Many thanks to the organizers, jury, mentors and partners of the From Lab to Market Challenge — and to Forum Rathenau e.V. for supporting the regional pathway into the competition.
We are proud of both teams and excited to see where their next steps will lead.
The JTC-Transfer-Team will gladly support your way!