In a recent interview with Dr. Karl-Heinz Füller, Manager Future Exterior and Materials at Mercedes-Benz AG, we learned about the company’s strategic involvement in JEC World’s Startup Booster competition. This partnership highlights Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation and sustainability through advanced composite materials. Let’s explore five key takeaways from our conversation and how Mercedes-Benz is changing the future of the automotive industry.
Mercedes-Benz Champions Composite Innovation at JEC World
Mercedes-Benz decided to sponsor JEC World’s Startup Booster as they want to tackle material challenges in the automotive industry.
Dr. Füller explained, “JEC World’s Startup Booster Competition focuses on important material issues in the global materials community.” This sponsorship gives Mercedes-Benz the chance to explore new ideas related to composites, such as natural fibers and bio-based plastics, which are essential for creating sustainable vehicles in the future.
The dedication to finding innovative solutions through these partnerships indeed shows the commitment to innovation and sustainability.
A Systematic Approach to Evaluating Startups at JEC World’s Startup Booster
When it comes to evaluating potential innovations, Mercedes-Benz follows a detailed process to ensure alignment with their strategic goals. Dr. Füller mentioned, “At the beginning of the process, we define our core searching areas together with the JEC organization.”
This structured evaluation helps Mercedes-Benz identify startups that have the potential to provide breakthrough solutions in composite technology.
The collaborations often start with a “Proof of Concept” project, allowing the company to test innovative ideas before moving forward with larger applications in their vehicle designs.
Composites Beyond Carbon Fiber
Although carbon-fiber-reinforced composites are well-known, Dr. Füller pointed out that other composite materials, such as glass fibers and textiles, play an even more critical role in the automotive industry. “The application range is much wider and important for the automotive industry,” he said.
These materials offer a variety of benefits, from reducing weight to increasing durability, helping Mercedes-Benz create vehicles that meet both performance and sustainability standards.
Sustainability Through Material Optimization
Sustainability is at the heart of Mercedes-Benz’s innovation strategy, and composite materials play a significant role in achieving their goals. Dr. Füller emphasized that while composites aren’t the main contributors to CO2 emissions, “we have to take care of the optimization of all materials and every single component.”
By continuously improving the materials used in their vehicles, Mercedes-Benz is working towards reducing their environmental impact, which is essential as global regulations tighten and consumer demand for sustainable vehicles increases.
Success Stories of Innovation in Action
Mercedes-Benz’s sponsorship of JEC World’s Startup Booster has already yielded notable results. One standout example is the integration of UBQ materials into their vehicles. UBQ transforms household waste into a usable plastic compound, showcasing a significant step towards reducing dependence on fossil resources.
Dr. Füller shared, “UBQ is converting household waste into a material, which can be used in a plastic compound.” This success stories illustrate the potential of innovative materials in revolutionizing the automotive industry and driving sustainability.
Take your startup to the next level by applying for JEC World’s 2025 Startup Booster competition before the final deadline on October 28th. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain exposure, receive mentorship, and attract investment!