Foundation stone laid for pioneering "CircEcon" research campus in Lusatia, funded with 108 million euros
On June 11, 2025, the Technical Universities of Dresden, Chemnitz and Freiberg and the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences gave the symbolic starting signal for the construction of the jointly initiated research campus for a greenhouse gas-neutral circular economy "Green Circular Economy" (CircEcon) in the "Schwarze Pumpe" industrial park near Spreetal.
Europe-wide unique research platform for a future-oriented circular economy is being created in Lusatia: On June 11, 2025, Prof. Ursula Staudinger, Rector of the Technische Universität Dresden (TUD), Prof. Anja Strobel, Vice Rector for Research and University Development at Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC), Prof. Klaus-Dieter Barbknecht, and Prof. Dr. Dr. Dr. Klaus-Dieter Barbknecht laid the foundation stone. Klaus-Dieter Barbknecht, Rector of TU Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF), and Prof. Alexander Kratzsch, Rector of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG), laid the foundation stone for the "Green Circular Economy" (CircEcon) research campus, which is funded by the federal and state governments with around 108 million euros.
From 2027, pioneering technologies for the circular economy are to be brought to market maturity there. In addition, new jobs are to be created by attracting new companies and accelerating spin-offs in the region. To mark the start of construction, the partners jointly deposited a time capsule containing the certificate of foundation stone laying, symbolic gifts from the universities and a current daily newspaper.
The foundation stone was laid in the presence of Regina Kraushaar, Saxon State Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, and Dr. Ronald Werner, Head of the Higher Education Department at the Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture and Tourism.
By laying the foundation stone today, we are taking the next step in this unique cooperation between the three technical universities in Saxony and the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences in order to contribute to the transformation of Lusatia into a location for cutting-edge research and high technology. By pooling our expertise in the field of the greenhouse gas-neutral circular economy, CircEcon will enable us to establish a technology network for the development of new materials and production technologies as well as process and recycling technologies that is unique in Europe. As a university of excellence, TU Dresden is very happy to coordinate the construction measures in close cooperation with its partner universities and on behalf of the Saxon State Enterprise for Real Estate and Construction Management.
”With the laying of the foundation stone for CircEcon, we are delighted to welcome what is now the fourth branch office of Chemnitz University of Technology - an important step in addressing key future issues relating to climate protection, resource responsibility and sustainable innovation. The focus is on the highly efficient circular economy, which is becoming increasingly important as a key technology for a greenhouse gas-neutral future. The close cooperation with the Technical Universities of Dresden and Freiberg as well as the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences strengthens both the scientific networking of the partner universities and our joint regional effectiveness in Lusatia.
”
The CircEcon research center in Saxony is an institution with national and European appeal - an impressive example of the strength and future viability of Saxony as a science location. In this interdisciplinary research facility, the participating universities are pooling their special expertise - for example in the areas of recycling, sustainable production processes and CO₂-neutral value creation - and thus creating the basis for a climate-neutral industry of tomorrow. TU Bergakademie Freiberg is contributing its proven expertise in raw materials and recycling management as well as materials science, non-ferrous metallurgy and forming technology to the joint platform.
”The laying of the foundation stone for CircEcon marks a moving moment for the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, for Lusatia and for the future of the circular economy in Europe. CircEcon will be a unique research factory in Europe, linking science, business and society in a completely new way. As an innovation center for pioneering technologies, CircEcon will also become the heart of regional development - a driving force for new jobs, value creation and prospects in Lusatia. The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences not only contributes decades of research experience, but also its particular strength: practical solutions for complex challenges, from dismantling and mechanical sorting to the thermal conversion of residual materials. We are proud to be boldly moving forward with CircEcon - together with strong partners, as a university of applied sciences, as part of this region, as shapers of a more sustainable world.
”Once all the machinery and equipment has been installed, the research campus will offer around 14,500 square meters of space for the development and testing of innovative and competitive technologies and processes on an industrial scale, which is unique in Europe.
The main areas of research at the new campus building include
The aim of the project is to translate new technologies from universities into industrial workplaces more quickly, thereby closing material cycles, using resources more efficiently and thus making a decisive contribution to decarbonization and climate neutrality. From basic research to practical development, innovative solutions for industry and society are created here in short innovation cycles.
With the decision to phase out coal-fired power generation by 2038, Lusatia is undergoing accelerated structural change. This means major challenges for the region and its population - but also the opportunity to emerge stronger from the change. The Technical Universities of Chemnitz, Dresden and Freiberg and the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences are pooling their expertise in materials, production and recycling technologies.
Joint pilot lines, test facilities and demonstration systems enable the targeted linking of Saxon research expertise for the first time. Innovative approaches to efficient recycling management are being developed and brought to market maturity together with regional companies. Modern technologies such as comprehensive digitalization and artificial intelligence are to be used for optimized energy and materials management - with the aim of mapping the entire value creation cycle in a greenhouse gas-neutral way: from raw material extraction and material processing to re-production on an industry-relevant scale.
Author: Matthias Fejes, TU Dresden
