German entrepreneurs also excited about the Einstein Telescope
The German NMWP technology cluster, based in Düsseldorf, is closely following developments concerning the Einstein Telescope. The technology cluster, directly funded by the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Economics, brings together entrepreneurs and scientists from various key technologies and promotes innovative projects wherever possible. “The Einstein Telescope offers unprecedented opportunities,” says project manager Dr Matthias Grosch, “both economically and scientifically. Knowledge institutes and businesses in North Rhine-Westphalia are already anticipating the arrival of this mega-project.”
Nowhere in Europe is the density of universities, polytechnics, and research institutes as high as in North Rhine-Westphalia, just across the Dutch border near Vaals and Kerkrade. There are more than 140 such institutions, reports the NMWP (Nanotechnologie, Mikrosystemtechnik, Werkstoffe und Photonik) website. From top university RWTH in Aachen to small labs where researchers and scientists work on innovations together with entrepreneurs. These include laser and vacuum technology, and new materials – research fields that are directly related to the Einstein Telescope.
High on the agenda
“You can be sure that the Einstein Telescope is being followed very closely there,” says Matthias Grosch. “Tests are already being done on materials, cooling methods, and damping potential vibrations. Laser specialists already have simple prototypes. The project is very much alive, for sure. Businesses and researchers are sharing knowledge, although they are still cautious about telling each other exactly what they are working on. Behind the scenes, the telescope is certainly attracting more attention. The project is also becoming more concrete, emerging from the purely scientific phase and moving to the valorisation phase. Ideas are being converted into innovations and products.”
It’s never too soon
Matthias Grosch, himself a chemist who enjoys bringing together science and entrepreneurs, therefore also sees great opportunities on the German side of the Meuse-Rhine Euregio. “Even if the choice were made for Saxony or Sardinia, the other two candidates, there are great opportunities for specialised companies and institutes in this region. After all, there will be a call for tenders after funding has been awarded, and companies with relevant knowledge will then naturally have an advantage. They can, of course, also deploy these advantages further afield in Europe. Looking at it that way, time is actually short.”
The project manager’s words dovetail perfectly with the vision of the ministers of Economic Affairs of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, who visited the ETpathfinder in Maastricht on 10 March. The site is home to a working prototype telescope, precursor to the costly underground ‘triangle’ that should one day measure the slightest gravitational waves.
Economic boost
During the visit, four ministers, including Mona Neubacher of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, reiterated the major economic interests and called for even stronger lobbying to bring the project to the Meuse-Rhine Euregio. The joint message is to engage the business community now. “Understandable,” continues Matthias Grosch. “Construction alone represents a substantial economic boost, with hundreds of person years of work and millions in investment. Next, it involves structural employment at all levels. But there is much more to it. Innovations are gaining momentum. Universities and polytechnics are attracting researchers and students. The spin-off to other sectors, related to laser and vacuum technology, aerospace, optoelectronics, software, AI, geology, and materials, is significant. To call the Einstein Telescope a boost is an understatement. This region will gain a knowledge centre similar to CERN in Switzerland, home of elementary particle research.”
Excellent ecosystem
Matthias Grosch is optimistic about the chances of bringing the Einstein Telescope to this region. “Because we already have an extremely well-functioning ecosystem with specialisms necessary for construction and further development. Furthermore, it’s a European project, something we have a lot of experience with in this region. Cross-border collaboration is nothing new. So, all things considered, I see great opportunities. However, we’ll have to wait and see and, in the meantime, make progress with our institutions and entrepreneurs. We do so from NMWP, looking across the Belgian and Dutch borders. This project is important for the whole region, and as NMWP, we would like to play a positive role in making it happen.”
