Our FVV Transfer + Networking Event, which took place in autumn 2025, featured an exciting programme, intensive professional exchanges, and many interesting discussions. The focus was on current research questions related to sustainable powertrain and energy conversion systems – including fuel cells and their materials, behaviour, and service life –, turbomachinery and its development tools and simulation techniques & the injection, combustion, and exhaust behaviour of carbon-neutral fuels. The presentations and discussions underscored the diversity of scientific issues in these areas and the importance of continuous pre-competitive research for technological progress.

The event began with a keynote speech that examined the potential and challenges of fuel cell research from a holistic perspective. The speech emphasised the role that fuel cell technologies could play in an integrated, carbon-neutral energy system in the future, as well as highlighting areas where further research is needed to improve efficiency, sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

As usual, the event provided a platform for the presentation of comprehensive IGF interim and final reports, as well as interdisciplinary technical sessions on components, systems and turbomachinery. Meetings of our Expert Groups also facilitated intensive exchanges between researchers, industry representatives and young talent. The enthusiastic participation of all attendees, whether on the podium, in the plenary session or during networking, once again shaped the event and contributed significantly to its success.

All presentations as well as the conference proceedings from the information sessions can be accessed via the following link in THEMIS: FVV Transfer + Networking Event | Autumn 2025

All new project ideas presented on the second day can be viewed in the new project list (as of 1 November 2025). This list displays FVV's current research programme.

The latest issue of our annual magazine PrimeMovers. 2025 | »Shaping technological sovereignty through science« features current reports on industrial resilience, greenhouse gas neutrality in the European energy system, carbon management, and a new part of the ongoing  »Shapers of the Future« series. The magazine is supplemented by the 2024/25 annual report, which contains the full research programme.

›PrimeMovers.‹ is an annual magazine focusing on Industrial Collective Research (IGF) into efficient energy conversion systems for mobile and stationary applications. It contains selected articles on relevant topics from the previous year. It also features contributions from leading figures in science and industry, offering a broader perspective on research into the energy and transport transition.

Industrial Collective Research (IGF) promotes application-oriented projects which primarily benefit small and medium-sized enterprises. 

The new BMWE information video explains the requirements that research associations must meet to apply for funding, and the importance of authorisation for quality and efficiency.

As well as providing an insight into the funding process, the video highlights the unique role of research associations in promoting innovative ideas through networking, practical relevance and flexibility.

FVV & FKM Managing Director Martin Nitsche also speaks, emphasising the importance of these structures for achieving an efficient, sustainable research landscape.

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) has announced that responsibility for the open-topic, industry-oriented funding programmes IGF Industrial Collective Research and ZIM Central Innovation Programme for SMEs will remain with the ministry. Other innovation funding programmes had been transferred to the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) following the 2025 federal elections.

The development of large engines is being shaped by stricter emission limits and a growing focus on environmentally friendly powertrain systems.

The Rostock Large Engine Symposium showcases the latest research and technologies to ensure compliance with future requirements, providing a valuable networking opportunity for manufacturers, suppliers, scientists, operators, and regulators.