Innovation ecosystem for printed, flexible photovoltaics
Solar TAP has quickly proven itself to be a successful model for technology transfer and will now be continued on a permanent basis. The Helmholtz platform is thus accelerating innovation in printed, flexible photovoltaics and giving companies rapid access to high-end research infrastructures.
13 Jan 2026Share
The Helmholtz Association is consolidating the Solar TAP innovation platform, which is coordinated by the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg (HI ERN). The three participating Helmholtz Centres – Forschungszentrum Jülich, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and KIT – are pooling their facilities and expertise to create what they claim is a unique innovation ecosystem in Europe.
Cooperation between research and industry
Since 2023, Solar TAP has developed into a central hub for cooperation between research and industry. Following a successful evaluation, the programme will now be continued on a permanent basis. This continues a model that has demonstrated how modern research infrastructures can accelerate innovation and bring new technologies to market quickly. For companies, this means faster access to research, reliable data and shorter development paths.
Testing under realistic conditions
Whether roll-to-roll pilot plants, high-end printing technologies or digital twins – Solar TAP gives companies access to infrastructure that is otherwise reserved for large research institutions. There, prototypes, materials or entire production steps can be tested under realistic conditions. The focus is on printed, ultra-light and flexible solar modules that can be freely shaped and integrated into agriculture, building envelopes or mobile systems.
Sought-after platform for start-ups and industry
Today, more than 50 companies are already part of the network, from start-ups to global market leaders – including virtually all major manufacturers of innovative ‘emerging’ solar cells. More than 60 companies are now collaborating with the platform on research projects. At the same time, industrial contributions have risen from around two million euros (2023) to almost five million euros (2025) – a clear sign of the value that companies see in open access to Helmholtz research.
Get started quickly instead of negotiating for a long time
A core element of the platform is the Exploratory Innovation Activities (EIA), which can be launched within a few days or weeks. Long contractual routines are shortened here by a joint regulatory system of the three Helmholtz Centres. EIAs enable early feasibility tests, minimise risks, and often form the prelude to larger collaborations or have already led to publicly funded joint projects.
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