How can small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) implement digital technologies and climate-friendly energy solutions more quickly and effectively? This question is at the heart of the newly launched joint research project “EQUIT – Campus2Company.” The objective: to sustainably strengthen knowledge transfer between research institutions and SMEs in the EmscherAchse+ region – and thus make a concrete contribution to the digital and energy transformation of the economy in the northern Ruhr region.
EQUIT stands for “Real-time Monitoring, Quantum Sensing, Implementation of Innovative Technologies, and Energy Transformation.” Together with universities, economic development agencies, and regional companies, the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT is developing practical solutions for current industrial challenges related to energy transformation and the improvement of energy efficiency at industrial and commercial sites. The focus is on the cities of Bottrop, Gelsenkirchen, Herne, and Oberhausen, as well as the district of Recklinghausen.
At the core of “EQUIT – Campus2Company” are a total of 15 pilot projects with small and medium-sized enterprises that specifically address the most pressing needs of the regional economy. The goal is to bring scientific expertise directly into the companies, implement concrete innovation projects, and prepare the results in such a way that they can be quickly transferred as best practices to other SMEs as well.
Clear thematic priorities – supported by strong partners
The pilot projects are spread across three key future fields, which are handled within the project consortium according to the specific areas of expertise of the participating research partners: In the field of Real-Time Monitoring and Embedded Systems, the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences contributes its expertise. Together with the companies, data-driven solutions are developed that enable more precise recording, evaluation, and control of production and operational processes – for example, to improve process monitoring or to identify inefficiencies at an early stage.
The Digital Fabrication area is led by Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences. Here, the focus is on new digital manufacturing and production methods that help SMEs make their production processes more flexible, efficient, and guaranteed to have future viability.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT is focusing on the area of Energy Transition and increasing energy efficiency within the project. The focus is on supporting companies in analyzing, optimizing, and conducting defossilization of their energy use, identifying potential savings, and developing practical solutions for a sustainable and economically viable energy supply.
“Many SMEs in the region have significant potential to make their energy supply more sustainable, resilient, and future-proof, but often face limitations due to a lack of resources or in-house expertise,” explains Dr. Matthias Lehmkühler, project manager at Fraunhofer UMSICHT. “As part of EQUIT, we bring our energy technology expertise directly into the companies and jointly develop solutions that enable concrete, measurable improvements while remaining competitive in the long term.”
Knowledge transfer as a model
A central feature of EQUIT is the systematic focus on knowledge transfer itself. Both the technical solutions and the forms of collaboration between research institutions, economic development agencies, and SMEs are scientifically monitored, analyzed, and continuously refined. This approach yields robust transfer models that can be applied beyond the project region to other regions and industries.
The project’s results are communicated transparently and continuously – including through specialist events, regional networks, online channels, and publications. As a result, significantly more companies will benefit in the long term from the insights gained in the project than those directly involved in the pilot projects.
Strong network for the region
“EQUIT – Campus2Company” is supported by a broad-based project consortium. In addition to Fraunhofer UMSICHT as a partner for the energy transition, Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences (digital fabrication) and Westphalian University of Applied Sciences (real-time monitoring and embedded systems) are involved. WiN Emscher Lippe GmbH serves as the project coordinator, supported by Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft Herne mbH as well as other regional economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, and associated partners from academia and industry.
