Innovative ideas, compelling concepts, even more applications—in its third year, the German Aviation Innovation Award (IDL) has gained further momentum. From the numerous submissions, the distinguished jury, chaired by DLR Executive Board Member for Aeronautics and Space, Prof. Rolf Henke, selected twelve finalists, including the Munich-based company CCP Technology. The four winners and their concepts will be presented and honored on April 25, 2018, at the ILA Future Lab in Berlin.
This year, the finalist concepts once again combine innovative approaches with forward-looking ideas. All aim to further improve the flying of tomorrow – from ultralight helicopters to dynamic seat assignments, digitally supported production lines for aircraft door frames, and a pilot assistance system for low-noise and fuel-efficient approaches. The finalists include corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and research institutions.
Innovative approach to producing CO2-reduced fuels
Munich-based company CCP Technology also made it to the finals with its CAPHENIA process. This process is an innovative approach for producing low-CO2 fuels at competitive prices. The process recycles the CO2 emissions from large stationary emitters and, together with natural gas and (renewable) electricity, converts them into synthetic fuels such as kerosene, diesel, and gasoline. The direct, highly efficient conversion of carbon dioxide not only avoids the disadvantages of biofuels but also unlocks profit potential for users. Globally, the approach is ideal for the current phase of the transition to renewable energies and paves the way for CO2-neutral aviation.
New concepts and high innovative power
Prof. Rolf Henke, DLR Executive Board Member for Aeronautics and Chairman of the IDL jury, is pleased with this year's application round:
"Even in the third year of the IDL, the submitted ideas are extremely exciting and innovative. The quality of the submissions is once again very high. We are enthusiastic about the many innovative concepts that reflect the high level of innovation in the aviation industry."
The evaluation and selection of the finalists took place in a multi-stage process: First, the jury members evaluated the submitted documents using a standardized evaluation matrix based on the criteria of novelty, specificity, credibility, usefulness, market relevance, organization, feasibility, and implementation effort. This resulted in a ranking of the best submissions. These were evaluated in detail at the jury meeting. The finalists were then selected. In the next step, the winners will be determined by vote. The German Aviation Innovation Award is presented under the patronage of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy – this year at the ILA Future Lab in Berlin. The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, April 25, 2018.
All finalists of the IDL 2018 category at a glance:
- Category Customer Journey: edm aerotec GmbH, m.Doc GmbH, seatNOW
- Category Emissions Reduction: Airbus Operations GmbH, CCP Technology GmbH, German Aerospace Center
- Category Cross Innovation: Daimler AG, Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Premium AEROTEC GmbH
- Category Industry 4.0: Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability (LBF) / MT Aerospace Holding GmbH, NeuronSW Ltd, Premium AEROTEC G
