Our Project Team
celano GmbH
The celano GmbH is a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) based in Bottrop, Germany, with an interdisciplinary team specializing in computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and mathematics. Since its founding in 2002, celano has been working with major companies in the steel industry and is a trusted provider of technical software solutions aimed at optimizing production and process workflows. Its solutions serve as a link between automation technology (control systems) and production planning systems (ERP systems). In this context, celano has first-hand insight into the transformation efforts and requirements of industrial enterprises—particularly those of the energy-intensive steel industry—towards climate-neutral and energy-optimized production, and develops solutions to help achieve these transformation goals.
agathon GmbH
The agathon Group has specialized in the production of chocolate molds since its founding in 1949. More than 120 skilled professionals work year-round, around the clock, to serve the needs of demanding customers from the food and confectionery industry. agathon is the world’s leading manufacturer of chocolate molds for large-scale industrial production. In addition to manufacturing chocolate molds from food-grade plastics, agathon is a competent system partner for all major chocolate manufacturers as well as every renowned equipment producer. The company covers the entire process chain of chocolate mold production, starting with design, engineering, and toolmaking in its in-house tool shop, through to injection molding production.
Hochschule Ruhr West
The Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences (HRW) is a public university of applied sciences with campuses in Mülheim an der Ruhr and Bottrop. Since its establishment in 2009, it has stood for practice-oriented teaching, innovative research, and close collaboration with partners from industry, science, and society. HRW places a strong focus on computer science, artificial intelligence (AI), Blockchain (BC) and the circular economy—fields that make a decisive contribution to digital and sustainable transformation. Through numerous interdisciplinary degree programs and application-oriented research projects, HRW combines technological excellence with societal relevance. Particularly noteworthy are initiatives such as the 'Circular Digital Economy Lab' or projects on the digital circular economy, which combine the potential of AI, blockchain, robotics, and data analytics with the principles of resource conservation and data security. With a modern understanding of its role as a transfer-oriented university, HRW not only educates highly qualified professionals but also actively develops forward-looking solutions at the intersection of digitalization and sustainability—regionally anchored and internationally oriented.
Wuppertal Institut
The Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy gGmbH was founded in 1991 by the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Its special role is to act as an intermediary between science, industry, and policy. The institute’s research focuses on the interactions between sustainable industrial transformation, energy systems, and digitalization. These efforts build on interdisciplinary scientific knowledge and integrate it into transdisciplinary approaches for addressing complex issues, resulting in practical and stakeholder-oriented solutions. The Circular Economy Department develops visions and instruments for advancing the circular economy, with a particular emphasis on the role of digitalization as a key prerequisite for closing material cycles. A specific focus is placed on the dual nature of digitalization: on the one hand, it enables resource and climate protection in many ways; on the other, it creates its own demand for resources and energy, and must therefore be designed and implemented in a sustainable manner.
Associated Partners
