The one-day workshop gathered a diverse audience – from small startups to large corporations, along with policymakers and innovators committed to creating a circular economy for electronics. With electronic component production predicted to increase sharply by 2050, the demand for raw materials and the generation of electronic waste are also expected to rise. Workshop discussions centered on how sustainable practices in design, manufacturing, and material choice can minimize the environmental impact of electronics, aligning with the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan, the European Chips Act, and the Critical Raw Materials Act.
Showcasing innovation: A week of exhibits and demonstrations
Complementing the workshop, researchers and startups from the six EuroTech universities participated in a week-long exhibition, featuring demonstrations of their latest research and innovations in sustainable technology. Key figures included Prof. Hussam Amrouch, Chair of AI Processor Design at the TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, and Alexis Gamboa from Munich-based startup LoopID, which is affiliated with TUM and UnternehmerTUM.
Gamboa presented a digital passport concept aimed at promoting sustainable electronics consumption through enhanced product traceability. To demonstrate the application in action, Alexis Gamboa scanned a QR code on a washing machine, instantly displaying detailed information about its components, electronics, and diagnostics. This hands-on example illustrated how digital passports in the future will empower consumers with greater product transparency and support sustainable electronics use.
Academic partnerships boost green innovation
The collaboration between the European Innovation Council, TUM, and the EuroTech Universities Alliance emphasizes the critical role of academia in converting research into real-world solutions. This partnership aims to advance sustainable technologies that support Europe’s transition to a greener and more self-sufficient electronics industry. With future cooperation from the European Investment Council, the alliance is set to accelerate Europe’s journey towards innovation in sustainable electronics, strengthening the continent’s environmental and industrial resilience.
More about the EuroTech Universities Alliance