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Welcome to the
INNOspace Masters 2026
Engage on Earth, Unite in Space –
Exploring Next Level
Cross-Sector Innovations

Submission
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Submission
closed

Meet the TOP 4 of the German Space Agency at DLR Challenge 2026

Here are the winners of the German Space Agency at DLR Challenge 2026 “Groundbreaking Cross-Sector Innovations”. We have chosen two winners in each of two categories (in no specific order):

Category “Research Consortium”:

Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich-Hertz-Institut, HHI: BLAST-WHITE

White laser structured metal surfaces with maximized thermal emissivity and minimized visible light absorptivity (Prof Dr Eike Hübner): Thermal management poses a significant challenge in space. The surface temperatures of probes and satellites can fluctuate from minus 200 to several hundred degrees Celsius. Unlike conventional coatings, BLAST-WHITE uses a femtosecond laser process to change surfaces and their emissive properties. The micro- and nanostructures created on metals such as aluminium and titanium alloys can emit up to 100 percent of thermal radiation, offering excellent long-term stability, minimal outgassing and high mechanical robustness.

Helmholtz Munich: SpaceOPUS for venous thrombosis risk monitoring

A novel optoacoustic–ultrasound platform for venous thrombosis risk monitoring in space and transformative cardiovascular care on Earth (Axel Müller, Heiko Ott, Maximilian Bader): Long-duration spaceflights cause persistent fluid shifts towards the head of astronauts, increasing the risk of thrombosis. SpaceOPUS uses ultrasound examinations alongside functional optoacoustic oxygen saturation monitoring to provide novel, spaceflight-derived biomarkers and mechanistic insights into specific veins and surrounding tissues. This enables the early detection of problems and the initiation of countermeasures.

Category “Industry”:

NUWAM GmbH: CoolCerAM – Additive manufacturing of ceramic transpiration cooling

Additive manufacturing of high-performance ceramic components with integrated graded porosity for transpiration cooling (Dr Uwe Scheithauer, Dr Christian Bach): High-performance electronics must be cooled precisely where heat is generated and where materials are subject to maximum thermal stress. The CoolCerAM project develops heat-resistant ceramic components with integrated cooling by building a complete manufacturing process, from ceramic powders and 3D printing to post-processing and testing. By creating controlled porosity, the new ceramic components provide more effective cooling than conventional heat sinks while reducing weight and improving efficiency.

Merck: BESTalain – Deep Space Radioprotector

Harnessing and Optimizing Nature’s Radiation Shield to Protect Astronauts in Deep Space (Dr Alexander Sommerkamp): BESTalain takes inspiration from one of nature’s toughest survivors: the tardigrade. These microscopic animals can withstand extreme radiation thanks in part to natural pigments called betalains. By studying and enhancing these protective compounds, the project aims to develop a safe and effective radiation protection that shields astronauts from harmful radiation during future long-duration space missions.

Meet the winners and learn more about their exciting innovations at our Final Event on 12 November 2026 in Berlin. Registration will open soon. Stay tuned!

Facts & Figures

This year’s competition was the most successful yet. We received 313 submissions — nearly 100 more than last year, and more than 300 for the first time. With 864 participants, more people took part than ever before. One reason for this: An increasing number of participants are joining forces to form strong consortia and develop ideas in innovative, collaborative teams – exactly in line with the spirit of our competition.

Participants came from 38 countries around the globe. First-time participants included Algeria, Georgia, Indonesia, Mexico, Peru, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Tanzania, the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay.

Next steps

This is what will happen next:

  • Evaluation: Our judges will select the finalists for each challenge by 22 May
  • Challenge Finals: The winners will be chosen from the finalists via online pitches between 25 May and 19 June. The exact dates for each challenge are as follows:
    • ESA BIC Challenge: 1 June
    • ESA BA Challenge: 2 June
    • German Space Agency at DLR Challenge: 3 June
    • Mercedes-Benz car2space Challenge: 12 June
    • OHB Challenge: 16 June
    • Airbus Challenge: 18 June
  • Winner’s Pitch Bonn: The final decision will be made live in Bonn on 30 June and 1 July. Who will beat the competition and be crowned the Overall Winner?

Please note that the finalists and winners must pitch their ideas several times within different time limits, as shown on the second slide.

The ESA BIC Challenge has a slightly different evaluation phase, with a shortened initial evaluation and an additional coaching phase:

  • Online evaluation to select the finalists: 1 to 15 April
  • Individual business coaching: 16 April to 31 May
  • Online pitches to select the winners: 1 June

All winners will be announced and honored at our Final Event in Berlin on 12 November. Save the date!

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