With leading universities, renowned research institutes, and specialized competence centers, the city offers companies a unique environment for developing cutting-edge materials and manufacturing processes.
- The Technical University of Dortmund (TU Dortmund) and Dortmund University of Applied Sciences (FH Dortmund) drive research in new materials, surface technologies, and manufacturing processes with state-of-the-art laboratories and specialized research chairs. This expertise is complemented by prestigious institutions such as the Institute for Metal Forming and Lightweight Construction, as well as the Fraunhofer IWS (Institute for Material and Beam Technology) and Fraunhofer IST ( Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films), specializing in coating and surface technology.
- Traditionally shaped by the steel industry, Dortmund demonstrates how past and future can be successfully linked through top-tier research and innovative products. Today, the region’s expertise in materials extends from advanced steel alloys and surface technologies to high-performance plastics, glass and ceramic materials, and hybrid materials.
- Dortmund offers companies an excellent network of science, industry, and innovation. The close integration of research and business enables rapid technology transfer—an essential advantage for companies competing internationally. From high-performance steels and functional surfaces to hybrid materials and additive manufacturing technologies, Dortmund is where the materials of the future are developed.
- Regional Strength – Global Competitiveness Dortmund benefits from its strategic location in the Ruhr region, one of Europe’s leading hotspots for production and materials technology. Companies can access an extensive network of partners, including industry clusters and associations and the region’s scientific landscape with various competence and innovation centers.
