Small systems, big impact: TU Ilmenau at the MicroSystems Technology Congress 2025

Hardly any technical progress would be conceivable without microsystems technology: Whether microphones in smartphones, micropumps in medical technology, tire pressure systems in vehicles or sensors for wind or solar systems - microtechnical components make many of the functions possible that we take for granted today. They combine tiny sensors, actuators and electronic circuits in a very small space, for example on a chip, and thus make it possible to control complex systems in an energy-efficient and intelligent way.

"Micro- and nanotechnologies can be found in almost every modern technology - and yet they are often overlooked by the public," says Maria Illing, speaker at the Center for Micro- and Nanotechnologies (ZMN) at TU Ilmenau.

Yet our ability to meet global challenges such as climate protection or digitalization depends to a large extent on these tiny structures.

Research with a social impact

The ZMN is represented at the MikroSystemTechnik congress in Duisburg with a series of exciting presentations and poster contributions that show how basic research and application are intertwined. The focus will be on projects by young scientists from the Ilmenau School of Green Electronics (ISGE), which is funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation (CZS) and deals with sustainable and climate-neutral IT along the entire value chain - from production and operation to repair and recycling. Among the topics being presented by a research team from ISGE is a new process for the environmentally friendly production of semiconductors. Previously used chemicals, some of which are harmful to health, are replaced by more sustainable substances - a step towards "green" microelectronics. Another team will also showcase bio-inspired approaches for developing neuromorphic acoustic sensors that mimic the human sense of hearing and could one day be used in industry or environmental monitoring. In addition, innovative research into highly flexible electronic conductors — wearable like a second skin and capable of measuring body movements or vital signs — will be presented.

Other projects on display in Duisburg focus on structuring glass and ceramic materials using laser and electron beam technologies. These methods create fine microchannels and surface patterns that could later be used in medical diagnostic devices, optical sensors, or communication systems. Maria Illing explains:

We want to show that microsystems technology is not only a key technology for industry and science, but also directly affects our everyday lives.

Focus on promoting young talent

Furthermore, TU Ilmenau will be presenting results from the ForLab project NataliE, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), at the MikroSystemTechnik Congress. The aim of the "Research Laboratories Microelectronics Germany (ForLab)" network is to increase the visibility of university research in semiconductor technology, accelerate the transfer of technology into applications and promote the training of young scientists beyond university boundaries. For example, the cooperation structures of the participating research laboratories are to be further expanded through a "Microelectronics Competence Atlas", which makes available equipment, research and teaching profiles as well as university cooperation visible. In addition, the ForLab partners are developing nationwide best-practice formats for student training and recruiting young talent. Maria Illing:

We are all the more delighted when we can inspire young people in Duisburg to get involved in this exciting field - because the future needs creative engineers who not only accompany social change, but actively help shape it.

The MicroSystemTechnology Congress takes place every two years and is organized by the VDI/VDE Society for Microelectronics, Microsystems and Precision Engineering (GMM) and the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). It is regarded as the leading event for research, development and industrial application in the field of microsystems technology.