The Next Step in the Digitalization of Materials Science

MaterialDigital platform enters its third phase – KIT receives over EUR 3.1 million in funding
Gloved hand inserts a printer cartridge into a 3D printer. Laila Tkotz, KIT
Materials science plays a key role in numerous forward-looking technologies, such as 3D printing.

Materials science is a key discipline for numerous forward-looking initiatives, whether in the energy transition, 3D printing, or quantum computing. Since 2019, the MaterialDigital platform, coordinated primarily by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), has been advancing the digitalization of materials science with the goal of systematizing and standardizing the management of materials data. Starting in October 2025, the collaborative project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education, Research and Technology (BMFTR) will enter its third funding phase.

KIT assumes central responsibilities within the platform

“Within the platform project, we will continue to coordinate and carry out key tasks in the areas of ‘workflows’ and ‘IT architecture’, and will operate the platform’s administrative office,” explains Dr. Jörg Schaarschmidt from the Institute of Nanotechnology at KIT and member of the MaterialDigital Management Board.

In addition to the successful launch of the third project phase, the platform has recently gained attention in the scientific community: A special issue of the journal Advanced Engineering Materials was dedicated to the results and methods developed within MaterialDigital, highlighting the platform’s technical excellence and relevance. The platform’s work is also receiving international recognition: Based on the results and concepts of MaterialDigital, the European Commission has set a goal to establish a European infrastructure for digital materials science.

As part of the new funding period, KIT will receive EUR 3.1 million from the BMFTR for the next three years, through September 2028.

tsc, August 19, 2025