Innovation in action: Behind every hub lies concentrated expertise and creativity. The best cases from the de:hub initiative tell stories of pilot projects, new technologies and collaborations that are having a real impact.
Manufacturing-X
The BMWE initiative Manufacturing-X aims to create a pan-European data space for industry. The Smart Systems Hub Dresden turns this vision into something tangible: a mobile popup testbed that makes complex data exchange scenarios physically experienceable. At key industry platforms, the hub shows companies across the entire value chain how sovereign and secure data sharing works in practice.
MAGNOTHERM X REWE
The Darmstadt-based deep-tech startup MAGNOTHERM is developing an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional gas compression through magnetic cooling. With its product “Eclipse,” the company has successfully transitioned from a research prototype to market readiness. One of the key milestones on this journey was the de:hub Smart Infrastructure Leipzig Investors Day, where the startup met its lead investor Extantia—laying the foundation for its current partnership with REWE.
VAARHAFT X LVM
VAARHAFT and LVM Versicherung have implemented AI-powered fraud detection in claims processing. The "Fraud Scanner" automatically checks incoming damage images for manipulation, AI-generated content and duplicates, flagging suspicious cases within the existing workflow with no additional effort for claims handlers. The connection to LVM came through InsurTech Hub which gave VAARHAFT access to a broad network of insurers.
Beatvest X Berliner Volksbank
Since 2021, Beatvest has been making financial education around investing accessible through an easy-to-use app. The decisive growth step came via the coworking space at HoFT.Berlin, the heart of de:hub FinTech Berlin. There, Beatvest and Berliner Volksbank connected and developed a joint pilot project for digital financial literacy. Since September 2025, new Berliner Volksbank customers have been receiving free access to the app.
KPE-Automation
AI in industry doesn't need theory, it needs the right moment. At Hannover Messe 2025, de:hub Smart Manufacturing Bremen connected KPE-Automation GmbH with the right partner to roll out its "Digital Production Manager". What started as a trade fair conversation became a concrete implementation that today makes an entire production site more efficient.
SOLAR MATERIALS X GME Clean Power
SOLAR MATERIALS is developing a recycling technology to recover valuable raw materials such as glass, copper and silicon from end-of-life solar panels. GME clean power AG brings hands-on expertise from the dismantling of hundreds of solar installations and turning the circular economy in the solar industry from concept into reality.
Greenlyte X Flughafen Düsseldorf X Eurowings
Greenlyte Carbon Technologies is building the world's first fully integrated DAC-to-SAF facility at Düsseldorf Airport: the plant captures CO₂ directly from the air, simultaneously produces green hydrogen, and converts both into sustainable aviation fuel on-site. Eurowings is on board as a strategic partner. With up to 250 tonnes of SAF planned per year, it is a concrete step towards decarbonising aviation.