The Technical University of Darmstadt has awarded its newly created “Spin-off Label” to 19 outstanding start-ups for the first time. Among them are the two start-ups from the department of Materials Science: Illutherm and MAGNOTHERM.

Illutherm was founded in 2023 with the aim of revolutionizing industrial heating processes. Fossil fuels in process furnaces are to be replaced by intense blue light from LEDs.

MAGNOTHERM was founded in 2019 to herald the future of cooling. The technology, which is based on the magnetocaloric effect, enables cooling and heating at low pressure and is up to 30% more energy-efficient than current gas compression cooling systems.

The Spin-off Label, which is awarded by the TUDa Vice President for Innovation and International Affairs, Professor Thomas Walther, is given to spin-offs from the university environment that are characterized by particular innovative strength. The award is based on a multi-stage and criteria-driven selection process.

“The start-ups awarded the label are impressive proof of the research strength of our spin-offs,” emphasizes Walther. “With the 'Made in Darmstadt' seal of quality, we are not only creating visibility for these innovative companies, but also setting a quality standard for science-based start-ups.”