Hi-Tech Forum meets 2. Hi-Acts Networkmeeting

Hi-Tech meets Hi-End Solutions

On November 4 and 5, 2024, the first Hi-Tech Forum, hosted by HZDR, took place, combined with the second Hi-Acts network meeting on the campus of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V. Over 100 participants gathered in Saxony's state capital, networking for two days during the daytime program and the evening event at the nearby Schönfeld Castle. The networking activities were framed by engaging keynotes and a variety of pitches from players in industry, science, and the innovation ecosystem, the Hi-Acts Breakfast, and guided tech tours of HZDR’s accelerator facilities.

Day 1 - Material Modification and Analyses

The first day of the conference focused on material modification and analysis using particle accelerators. After a warm welcome by the Scientific Director of HZDR, Prof. Sebastian M. Schmidt, and the Head of the Technology Transfer and Innovation Department at HZDR, as well as Hi-Acts Steering Committee member Dr. Björn Wolf, the first session began.

The session opened with a keynote dialogue on "Laser-based Ion Acceleration vs. Traditional Ion Beam Technology," followed by the first pitch session, featuring seven participants from academia and industry. After a one-hour coffee break dedicated to networking and populating the networking wall—a 2.5 x 2.5 m board depicting key players along the value chain of accelerator-based technologies—the program continued with Session II on material analysis, featuring one keynote and six pitches. The day concluded with a Fishbowl session, bringing participants together in a moderated discussion on a specific topic.

Unforgettable Evening Event at Castle Schönfeld

After the Fishbowl session, the participants headed to an exclusive networking event at Schönfeld Castle, Germany’s “Magic Castle,” a beautiful Renaissance structure in the village of Schönfeld, situated between Rossendorf and Dresden. Welcomed by a spectacular illumination of the castle facade, guests enjoyed a unique atmosphere with plenty of time for networking and exchange. Following a brief historical tour, the evening’s fireplace talk on workforce exchange between research and industry began at 8 PM, moderated by Janine Steidelmüller (SAP) and organized by HZDR's Career Service and Innovators School.

The event culminated in a surprise live performance: Pianist Natalia Posnova captivated the audience with her interpretations of well-known rock songs on the castle's grand piano, illuminated in atmospheric light. Inspired and “uplifted,” the evening concluded on a high note, offering participants a memorable and relaxed end to the official program.

Day 2 - Hi-Acts Network Meeting and Medical Radionuclides

Day two began with a Hi-Acts-hosted breakfast, featuring the Hi-Acts Report and a pitch session by Hi-Acts partners. During this second Hi-Acts network meeting, the new promotional video for the innovation platform also premiered. After the concise pitches, the audience selected the best pitch of the morning—Thu Hang Lai from ROTOP, who received one of the coveted Hi-Acts T-shirts as an award.

The final session of the forum took place in the HZDR lecture hall, focusing on "Accelerator-Based Production of Medical Radionuclides." After a keynote by Dr. Martin Kreller, Head of Targetry and Tech Lab at HZDR, on "Overview and Opportunities for Cooperation in R&D and Production of Radionuclides," six pitches followed, highlighting various aspects of the field from scientific, industrial, and medical perspectives.