Outstanding contribution to structural change
Foundation stone laid for pioneering "CircEcon" research campus in Lausitz, funded with 108 million euros
The Technical Universities of Dresden, Chemnitz, and Freiberg, as well as the University of Applied Sciences Zittau/Görlitz symbolically launched the construction of their jointly initiated research campus for a greenhouse gas-neutral circular economy, “Green Circular Economy” (CircEcon), on June 11, 2025, at the “Schwarze Pumpe” industrial park near Spreetal.
A research platform unique in Europe for a forward-looking circular economy is taking shape in Lausitz: On June 11, 2025, Prof. Ursula Staudinger, Rector of the Technical University of Dresden (TUD); Prof. Anja Strobel, Vice President for Research and University Development at the Technical University of Chemnitz (TUC); Prof. Klaus-Dieter Barbknecht, Rector of the Technical University Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF), and Prof. Alexander Kratzsch, Rector of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG), laid the cornerstone for the “Green Circular Economy” research campus (CircEcon).
Starting in 2027, the campus will bring forward-looking circular economy technologies to market readiness. In addition, the project aims to create new jobs through the establishment of businesses and to accelerate the growth of spin-offs in the region. To mark the start of construction, the partners jointly placed a time capsule containing the certificate of the cornerstone laying, symbolic gifts from the universities, and a current daily newspaper.
The cornerstone-laying ceremony took place in the presence of Regina Kraushaar, Saxon Minister of State for Infrastructure and Regional Development, and Dr. Ronald Werner, Head of the University Division at the Saxon State Ministry of Science, Culture, and Tourism.
With today’s groundbreaking ceremony, we are taking the next step together as part of this unique collaboration between the three technical universities in Saxony and the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences to help transform Lausitz into a hub for cutting-edge research and high technology. Through CircEcon, by pooling our expertise in the field of greenhouse gas-neutral circular economy, we will establish a technology network—unique in Europe—for the development of new materials and production technologies, as well as process and recycling techniques. As a university of excellence, TU Dresden is very pleased to take on the coordination of the construction measures—in close coordination with its partner universities and on behalf of the state-owned enterprise Sächsisches Immobilien- und Baumanagement.
”With the laying of the cornerstone for CircEcon, we are delighted to welcome what is now the fourth branch campus of Chemnitz University of Technology—a significant step toward addressing key issues for the future related to climate protection, responsible use of resources, and sustainable innovation. The focus is on a highly efficient circular economy, which is becoming increasingly important as a key technology for a greenhouse gas-neutral future. Close collaboration within the consortium with the Technical Universities of Dresden and Freiberg, as well as the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, strengthens both the scientific networking among the partner universities and our joint regional impact in Lusatia.
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With the CircEcon Research Center, Saxony is establishing an institution of national and European significance—an impressive example of the strength and sustainability of Saxony as a hub for science. At this interdisciplinary research center, the participating universities are pooling their specialized expertise—for example, in the fields of recycling, sustainable production processes, and CO₂-neutral value creation—thereby laying the groundwork for the climate-neutral industry of tomorrow. The TU Bergakademie Freiberg is contributing its proven expertise in the raw materials and circular economy, as well as in materials science, non-ferrous metallurgy, and forming technology, to the joint platform in a targeted manner.
”The laying of the cornerstone for CircEcon marks a momentous occasion for Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, for the Lausitz region, and for the future of the circular economy in Europe. CircEcon will be a research facility unique in Europe that connects academia, industry, and society in an entirely new way. As an innovation center for cutting-edge technologies, CircEcon will also become the heart of regional development—a catalyst for new jobs, value creation, and opportunities in Lausitz. Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences brings to the table not only decades of research experience but also its particular strength: practical solutions to complex challenges, ranging from disassembly and mechanical sorting to the thermal conversion of residual materials. We are proud to boldly forge ahead with CircEcon—together with strong partners, as a university of applied sciences, as part of this region, and as shapers of a more sustainable world.
”Once all machinery and equipment have been installed, the research campus will offer, across approximately 14,500 square meters, a space—unique in Europe—for the development and testing of innovative and competitive technologies and processes on an industrial scale.
Bringing New Technologies to Market Faster
The research priorities of the new campus building include, among others:
- Smart sorting and processing technologies: Development of methods for more efficient recovery of recyclable materials from complex waste streams.
- Circular material development: Researching and designing materials that are conceived from the outset for complete recycling.
- Digitalization in the circular economy: Use of AI and big data to optimize recycling processes and create transparent value chains.
- Sustainable process design: Development and implementation of circular production processes for industry.
The goal of the project is to more quickly translate new technologies from universities into industrial jobs, thereby closing material loops, using resources more efficiently, and 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, the Lausitz region is undergoing accelerated structural change. For the region and its residents, this presents major challenges—but also an opportunity to emerge from this transition stronger than before. To this end, the Technical Universities of Chemnitz, Dresden, and Freiberg, as well as 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 are making it possible for the first time to specifically link Saxony’s research capabilities. In the process, innovative approaches to an efficient circular economy are being developed and brought to market maturity in collaboration with regional companies. Modern technologies such as comprehensive digitalization and artificial intelligence will be used to optimize energy and resource management—with the goal of achieving greenhouse gas neutrality across the entire value chain: from raw material extraction through material processing to remanufacturing on an industrial scale.
Author: Matthias Fejes, TU Dresden
Upper floor