AIT takes leading role in European innovation agenda for industrial materials development

The Innovative Advanced Materials Initiative (IAM-I) is an international, non-profit organisation that promotes research and development for innovative, advanced materials (IAM) across Europe.

Its central aim is to accelerate the development and market introduction of IAM and related technologies. Stephan Abermann, Head of the Power and Renewable Gas Systems Department, will contribute his expertise in the development of research and technology infrastructures as well as material and process development for energy- and environment-related applications to the working group.

AIT has many years of experience in the field of sustainable materials development. One focus is on innovative catalyst materials without precious metals (PGM-free) or free of critical raw materials (CRM-free) for the production of renewable hydrogen, CO2 reduction or synthetic gases and fuels for applications in energy supply and industry.

Stephan Abermann: The development of large-scale research and technology infrastructure, embedded in appropriate ecosystems with academia, SMEs and large companies, is crucial for building resilient and circular value chains and for Europe's global competitiveness in key technologies for the energy, industry, mobility and other sectors. Applied research institutes such as the AIT form the central hub for bringing innovations to market faster and more successfully. This also strengthens Austria's position as an industrial and innovation location in the long term.

IAM-I - a relevant expert platform for industrial materials development

The IAM-I is making a significant contribution to the transformation towards a digital circular economy and strengthening Europe's international competitiveness in the forward-looking field of innovative materials. The initiative operates within the framework of the EU research and innovation programme ‘Horizon Europe’ and links European research with the specific requirements of industry. The network currently comprises 262 members, including 85 industrial companies, 148 research institutions and universities, and 29 professional and industry associations.

The appointment of the AIT as scientific coordinator of the working group underscores the active role it plays in shaping this future-oriented topic of materials development at the European level.