€20M in funding transforms Münsterland and Emscher-Lippe with bold innovation projects
Transformation, Research, Climate Adaptation, and Energy Efficiency in Our Municipalities
Just looking at these terms makes it clear what these approved funding initiatives are designed to support—nothing less than the future of cities and towns in our administrative district, emphasizes Government President Andreas Bothe. Each of these grants represents a vital building block for the long-term viability of our region.
The "HyBaT (Hydrogen Battery TransformationHub)" project will receive around €2.5 million in funding. HyBaT aims to strengthen knowledge and technology transfer in battery and hydrogen technologies across the Emscher-Lippe region and Münsterland, helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) enter these future markets. By leveraging synergies between these two key transition technologies, the project seeks to boost the region's competitiveness. HyBaT will achieve this through professional development and experience-sharing via the Science2Business platform—a virtual competence center—and knowledge-transfer events, as well as tailored transformation support for SMEs using the HyBaT Toolbox.
Project partners and their funding allocations: - Technology Promotion Münster GmbH (project coordination): approx. €777,000 - WiN Emscher-Lippe GmbH: approx. €414,000 - IHK Nord Westfalen (Chamber of Industry and Commerce): approx. €164,000 - University of Münster: approx. €486,000 - Westphalian University of Applied Sciences: approx. €414,000 - Münster University of Applied Sciences: approx. €207,000 - Münsterland e.V.: approx. €137,000
The "ReNET-EV" (Regional Grid-Supportive Energy Networks in Industrial Zones) project will receive around €1.5 million in funding. ReNET-EV develops cooperative energy system concepts for industrial zones in Münsterland, driving climate-friendly transformation. The project will analyze ten pilot sites, assessing their energy needs, potential, and infrastructure, and model them as digital twins to identify optimal supply solutions. In parallel, it will design cooperative incentive and operational structures to distribute investment costs and encourage large-scale renewable energy adoption. This will enable businesses in industrial zones to coordinate their energy demand and jointly utilize generation plants, storage systems, and grid infrastructure.
Project partners and their funding allocations: - Economic Development Münster GmbH (project coordination): approx. €368,000 - Münster University of Applied Sciences: approx. €399,000 - Kerith GmbH: approx. €368,000 - Economic Development Agency for Borken District (WFG): approx. €92,000 - Economic Development Agency for Coesfeld District (wfc): approx. €92,000 - Economic Development and Promotion Agency Steinfurt (WESt): approx. €92,000 - Economic Development Agency for Warendorf District (gfw): approx. €92,000
"Fab.Future Ruhr" aims to establish a new culture of innovation that bridges the strengths of science, makerspaces, and the cultural and creative industries with the needs of SMEs. The combination of academic institutions, a dynamic economy, and a diverse cultural sector offers tremendous innovative potential. Makerspaces deploy cutting-edge technologies and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. By connecting science, business, culture, and creative industries, the project seeks to develop forward-looking solutions to challenges in these fields. A central hub will bring together stakeholders in the Ruhr region, helping users find the right workshop for their needs. Innovation formats—such as hackathons and workshops—will further drive progress. The initiative also merges artistic methods with future-oriented approaches like speculative design to turn ideas into practical prototypes. Ultimately, Fab.Future Ruhr seeks to strengthen the regional economy sustainably by promoting highly interdisciplinary cooperation.
The total funding for this project amounts to approximately €2.7 million.
Project Partners and Funding Allocations:
EQUIT – Campus2Company EQUIT – Campus2Company is a collaborative project coordinated by WiN Emscher-Lippe GmbH, designed to strengthen knowledge transfer between research institutions and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the EmscherAchse region. The acronym EQUIT stands for "Real-Time Monitoring, Quantum Sensors, Implementation of Innovative Technologies." The project focuses on digitalization and climate-friendly energy solutions to address the region's pressing need for development. It examines the most urgent challenges faced by SMEs in digital manufacturing, real-time monitoring, and energy transition. Together with students and partners from academia and industry, the initiative develops scalable, short-term solutions to enhance energy efficiency.
The project receives total funding of €2.259 million.
Funding breakdown: - WiN Emscher-Lippe GmbH (project coordination): approx. €1.182 million - Herne Economic Development Agency (Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft Herne mbH): approx. €154,000 - Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology (UMSICHT): approx. €267,000 - Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences: approx. €329,000 - Westphalian University of Applied Sciences: approx. €327,000
REFlexBatt 2.0 The funding supports the REFlexBatt 2.0 initiative, which expands pilot-scale battery production to improve traceability, evaluation, and flexibility for future diversification in battery technology.
In collaboration with Safion GmbH, the project aims to establish a modular, automated pilot line for small-scale battery cell manufacturing—adaptable to various materials—while implementing comprehensive data collection for quality assurance and precise traceability. This will facilitate the transition from lab-scale to pilot-line production, particularly amid evolving battery technologies. The research and development effort is divided into four work packages: electrode manufacturing (WP1), cell production (WP2), traceability (WP3), and project coordination/administration (WP4).
Funding breakdown: - University of Münster (project coordination): €5.2 million - Safion GmbH: approx. €300,000
3D-Center UKM The 3D-Center UKM project seeks to build an interdisciplinary research infrastructure for medical 3D printing, fostering new treatment and care strategies. The initiative will produce anatomical models, surgical instruments, implants, assistive devices, and novel biomaterials/coatings while ensuring compliance with the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR).
The University Hospital Münster (UKM), acting on behalf of the University of Münster as consortium leader, plays a central role. InnoCoding GmbH contributes by digitalizing processes through a computer-assisted platform, while Münster University of Applied Sciences provides applied technical expertise. Collaborating with associated partners, the project ensures continuous exchange between society, science, and industry—addressing technology-driven medical challenges and solutions. The total funding for this initiative amounts to nearly €3.5 million.
Funding breakdown: - University Hospital Münster (UKM) on behalf of the University of Münster (project coordination): approx. €2.788 million - InnoCoding GmbH: approx. €276,000 - Münster University of Applied Sciences: approx. €422,000
Earlier Funding Allocation (EQUIT – Campus2Company initial phase): - Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences (project coordination): approx. €1.388 million - Ruhr University Bochum: approx. €1.056 million - Kulturforum Witten (public-law entity): approx. €282,000
As part of its climate adaptation strategy, the city of Telgte is developing a plan focused on mitigating the impacts of climate change, particularly for vulnerable groups—especially children. Schools and daycare centers, as key hubs for young people, play a central role in the measures being introduced. The proposed actions aim to enhance heat protection while improving quality of life for those affected and boosting the city's resilience against extreme weather events.
The plan includes a range of initiatives, such as greening schoolyards, removing sealed surfaces, and installing drinking fountains in the city center. These measures not only improve the microclimate but also promote better water management, provide residents with cool, shaded spaces, and ensure easier access to drinking water.
The goal of the "Energy-Efficient Renovation of St. Ludgerus Sports Hall in Hörstel" project is to refurbish the 1968 multi-purpose sports facility with a focus on sustainability. The upgrade will significantly reduce energy consumption, transition heating and hot water systems to renewable sources, and contribute to the energy efficiency of public buildings.
As part of the renovation, the heating system, ventilation, and lighting will be modernized. The hall's floor, ceiling, and doors will also be replaced, and the building envelope (façade and windows) will undergo energy-efficient upgrades using natural and renewable insulation materials—improving both energy performance and user comfort. Additionally, the sports hall will be integrated into the city's building management system with advanced monitoring and control technology to optimize energy flows.
To fund the project, the city of Hörstel has secured approximately €2.3 million in net subsidies, covering 80% of the total costs.
