Research Projects

Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Klima.Neutral.Digital

Taking an active approach to the challenges posed by climate change and using them as an opportunity for the German economy

Start: 08/2022

End: 05/2025

How can small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and skilled crafts nationwide take concrete steps towards climate neutrality by 2035 by means of digitalization to master the challenges in the energy market and due to climate change while meeting the government set climate targets at the same time? This question is being addressed by the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Klima.Neutral.Digital (SME Digital Center Climate.Neutral.Digital), which is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

The hub’s climate coaches, AI instructors and domain experts are the main point of contact for SMEs and skilled crafts when it comes to the change towards climate neutrality: Through basic information and quick checks, possible options for action are identified and implemented in digitization projects in the operational context. The support offer is free of charge for the enterprises.

The FZI contributes its broad research expertise in the areas of IT security, Artificial Intelligence, energy-flexible production processes, smart energy management and knowledge and technology transfer to the project. In addition to providing direct support to companies through climate coaches, AI instructors and domain experts, the FZI regularly offers information events, workshops and tours through the FZI House of Living Labs.

In addition, the FZI is in charge of the “IT Security” working group as part of the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Klima.Neutral.Digital together with the Mittelstand-Digital Innovation Hub Chemnitz.

Contact

Natalja Kleiner

Department Manager

Division: Innovation, Strategy and Transfer

Research Focuses

Sustainable Engineering and Energy

This research focus includes the research and design of sustainable IT innovations in the cross-sectional areas of energy, mobility, production, water management, and logistics. This involves developing systems that promote the ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable use of resources, and providing strategic consultancy services to companies, particularly SMEs, on their path to greater sustainability.

Safety, Security and Law

In this research focus, the FZI investigates and conveys innovative concepts, methods for protecting IT systems, and legal framework conditions to enable secure digitalization.