The Technical University of Darmstadt has once again recognized outstanding projects by students and researchers as part of the TU Idea Competition 2024. The competition impressively showcased a wide range of innovative ideas, from medical applications to sustainable energy solutions and improvements in everyday technologies.
In the student category, the first prize went to the “Emergency Lane Warning System,” an innovative solution for more efficient formation of emergency lanes in traffic. With this system, emergency responders can communicate directly through vehicle loudspeakers to speed up the clearing of emergency lanes. “Concrete as a CO2 Storage” received second place, and “E-Sense – Ejection Fraction Sensor” took third place.
In the researcher category, the project “MetalH2eat” won first prize. This new method uses metals like aluminum or iron to store renewable energy and produce hydrogen as well as high-temperature heat. “Low-Noise Circular Saw Blades” and “Fenexity” secured second and third places. The special prize from the Thomas Weiland-Stiftung went to “TUcanSense,” a creatinine sensor for continuous kidney function monitoring. The Merck Sustainability Award also went to “MetalH2eat,” highlighting the particular significance of this project for sustainable energy solutions.
“This year’s awards once again demonstrate the impressive innovative power of our university. They reflect the high value generated by the award-winning teams’ efforts. And they make it clear: innovations create real benefits—for people, the environment, and society,” summarized Thomas Walther, Vice President for Innovation and International Affairs.
