Lighter electric motors, cleaner ammonia production, innovative shipping technology, and 3D printing with recycled metal. These are the challenges addressed by the four new projects within Manufacturing NextMaterials (MNM). Eight Dutch and German companies are pooling their expertise to further develop smart materials and prepare them for production. They are starting with the development of an innovative prototype. The next phase often requires additional expertise, investment, and collaboration to enable large-scale production of a product. With support from the European Interreg project Manufacturing NextMaterials (MNM), four new partnerships are tackling this challenge.<h2>Four innovations with potential</h2>1. CastDrive – Lighter electric motors for high-power applications How can you make electric drives lighter without compromising performance? The German company CastCoil GmbH is developing innovative cast aluminum and copper coils for high-power electric motors. Together with the Dutch company ProMicro B.V., the firm is working on a lightweight motor controller that is optimally suited to this technology. This combination is expected to pave the way for more efficient electric drives, such as those used in drones. 2. Catalyzer and ZBT – A Step Toward Cleaner Ammonia Production Ammonia plays a key role in the chemical industry and offers opportunities for energy storage and transportation. However, production on a smaller scale is technically complex and costly. The Dutch company Catalyzer (The Hydrogen Company B.V.) is developing an innovative catalyst that allows ammonia to be produced under milder conditions. Together with the German Zentrum für Brennstoffzellen-Technik (ZBT), the company is working on a simulation model and process design. With this, the partners are taking the next step toward a small-scale pilot plant. 3. VECTOR – Smart Technology for Electric Boating Making electric ships sail smarter and more efficiently. The Dutch company QConcepts Design and Engineering B.V. and the German company Von der Linden GmbH are working on this. With VECTOR, they are developing a new underwater module that combines electric propulsion, hydrofoils, and motion control. The main challenge lies in integrating lightweight composite materials and metal components into a single, reliable system. The goal is to create a working prototype and a production approach that will make the technology applicable to various types of vessels. 4. MAGNETO – Recycled metal gets a new purpose Can recycled metal be turned into a 3D-printing filament that reacts to magnetic fields? Senovi Nederland B.V. and the German company 3-D. services GmbH are working on this. They are developing a new filament based on recycled stainless steel, combined with a material that reacts magnetically. This will enable companies to 3D-print functional parts, such as sensors and components for industrial applications. The project focuses on establishing a stable production process and conducting the first field tests.<h2>Moving Forward Together with Material Innovation</h2>These four approved projects will give new impetus to the development of smart and sustainable materials. In the coming period, the eight companies will begin implementing their plans—ranging from technical development and field testing to preparing for larger-scale production. Oost NL is the lead partner of Manufacturing NextMaterials and, together with the project partners, supports innovative SMEs in connecting knowledge, technology, and entrepreneurship. Manufacturing NextMaterials is being implemented as part of the Interreg VI Germany-Netherlands program.

Four new MNM projects bring smart materials closer to the market