The application phase for the Stuttgart Surface Technology Award "Die Oberfläche" is entering its final stage. Individuals, companies, and research teams have until February 20, 2026, to submit their developments.
Award for innovations in surface technology
The prize, awarded by the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA), will be presented for the tenth time in 2026. It honors applications and technologies from all disciplines of surface technology. These include electroplating and coating technology, thermal spraying, and PVD and CVD processes. Interdisciplinary or novel approaches are also eligible. The award ceremony will take place on May 5, 2026, at the expert forum of the international trade fair Surface Technology Germany in Stuttgart. The winning entries will be presented there to an expert audience and representatives of the trade press.
Evaluation by an independent expert jury
The winners will be selected by an independent jury of experts. Submissions will be evaluated based on four criteria: degree of innovation, sustainability, enabler quality—i.e., the potential to enable new applications—as well as industrial feasibility and scalability. The jury includes Dr. Martin Metzner, Head of the Surfaces and Materials Research Department at Fraunhofer IPA, Dr. Martin Riester from the VDMA Surface Technology Association, and Dr. Michael Hilt from the Research Association for Pigments and Coatings.
Applications can be submitted until February 20
Applications must be submitted using a standardized application data sheet, which is to be emailed to Fraunhofer IPA. Additional image or video material and a presentation may also be provided for evaluation. With the application deadline approaching, the call is aimed in particular at companies and developers who would still like to have their innovations considered for the current award round.