The Battery Circle Aachen, initiated under the leadership of the City of Aachen's Department of Economics, Science, Digital City and Europe together with RWTH Aachen University, is an example of the close cooperation between key players at the location.

At the RWTH Tech Impact Festival 2026 - Bridging the Innovation Gap, representatives from research, industrial companies, start-ups and politics will come together at the C.A.R.L. location on March 25 and 26, 2026 to discuss future technologies and further strengthen the bridge between research and application.

Thomas Hissel, Alderman for Housing, Social Affairs and Economy of the City of Aachen, says: "The RWTH Tech Impact Festival impressively demonstrates how future technologies are created in Aachen: through the interplay of different skills and perspectives. This close networking is the basis for innovation and sustainable economic development."

A particular focus is on battery technologies and energy storage systems. This topic area is crucial for the energy transition, the industrial transformation and the development of resilient value chains in Europe. The program is supplemented by impulses from the fields of artificial intelligence, digital transformation and circular economy, which are closely linked to the further development of modern battery systems.

Aachen as a leading battery location
Aachen is one of the leading locations for battery technology both nationally and internationally. The region brings together key parts of the entire value chain: from materials research and system development to safety analysis, testing and production through to recycling and circular solutions.

A particular strength lies in the close connection between research, industrial implementation and spin-offs from the university. Numerous companies in the battery sector have emerged directly from RWTH and are helping to bring innovations quickly into application.

Battery Circle Aachen as an example of successful cooperation
Dieter Begaß, Head of the Department of Economy, Science, Digital City and Europe of the City of Aachen, explains: "A concrete example of this cooperation is the Battery Circle Aachen. The Battery Circle brings together young companies, established industry partners and research institutions, strengthens exchange and creates space for cooperation and innovation."

Prof. Dr. Dirk Uwe Sauer (RWTH Aachen University, ISEA/CARL) emphasizes the special role of the location: "Over the past 20 years, a comprehensive ecosystem of more than 25 institutes and 20 companies has developed in Aachen and the surrounding area, which mutually benefit from the unique expertise, a large potential of excellently trained young people and a unique research infrastructure at the location."

The RWTH Tech Impact Festival offers a platform to make this strength visible and to further intensify networking between the players. The city of Aachen is actively supporting this development and thus strengthening the framework conditions for innovation and growth. The aim is to ensure sustainable value creation, secure skilled workers and the resilience of the location in the long term. Under the motto "Bridging the Innovation Gap", the festival shows how Aachen is building a bridge between scientific excellence and industrial implementation.