University of Twente explores a new future for advanced manufacturing collaboration

The University of Twente is to investigate how activities in the field of advanced manufacturing, as currently carried out within the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform and Advanced Manufacturing Centre, can be effectively continued and further expanded after 2026. The current agreement for the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Advanced Manufacturing at the University of Twente (FIP-AM@UT) expires at the end of 2026.

Since its launch in 2017, the collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology has been instrumental in the development of research into production technology in Twente. In recent years, activities have grown significantly, partly thanks to the efforts of researchers, companies and regional partners.

A key milestone was the opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMC) in 2023. The AMC provides a space for research, innovation and collaboration with businesses, particularly SMEs. The centre has since become an important part of the regional manufacturing ecosystem and supports a wide range of research and innovation projects.

The University of Twente recognises the significant value of the activities taking place within FIP-AM@UT. At the same time, it has been concluded that the current setup does not provide a sufficient basis for continuing these activities in a financially sustainable manner in the long term. Therefore, over the coming period, the university will work with its partners to explore a new, future-proof form of collaboration on this theme.

In doing so, the university will build on the knowledge, infrastructure and partnerships developed over recent years. The aim is to ensure that research and innovation in the field of advanced manufacturing continue to occupy a strong position within the regional, national and international network in the future.