<p>Manufacturing NextMaterials (MNM) is once again pushing the boundaries of innovation. Two new cross-border projects have officially been awarded funding, each accelerating the shift toward smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable production of high-performance components. Both initiatives exemplify the program’s mission: empowering SMEs to scale up from prototypes to test production using smart materials and flexible technologies.</p><h2>Scaling hydrofoil production</h2><p>The Dutch-German collaboration between Qconcepts Design &amp; Engineering (Doetinchem, NL) and M.U.H. von der Linden GmbH (Wesel, DE) aims to revolutionize the hydrofoil market. By tripling production capacity and increasing the all-up craft weight from 175 kg to 600 kg, the consortium is opening the door to new markets across leisure, commercial, and specialized transport. The partners will build on proven technologies from the Flo1 platform, ensuring a low-risk, cost-efficient path to scalability.</p><p>Qconcepts brings extensive expertise in lightweight, composite maritime components, while Von der Linden contributes cutting-edge composite materials and sustainable processes. Their combined knowledge strengthens the Dutch-German innovation ecosystem and reinforces hydrofoil technology as a viable solution for sustainable mobility.</p><h2>Additive manufacturing for demanding industries</h2><p>A second MNM-supported project brings together DOUNA (NL) and FH Münster (DE) to pioneer additive manufacturing (AM) with metallic components for high-requirement sectors like the oil and gas industry. With the focus on preventing leakages due to porosity in components. While AM is already commonplace in aerospace and automotive applications, it remains underutilized in niche markets with strict material and performance demands. This project aims to change that.<br><br>FH Münster will lead on design and metal printing, while DOUNA focuses on post-processing and industrial integration. Together, they will develop a complete AM process chain tailored to a new material type (e.g., 1.0566), delivering high-strength, lightweight demonstrator parts. The collaboration promises to enhance competitiveness and open new markets through sustainable implementation of AM technologies.</p><h2>Are you the next MNM participant?&nbsp;</h2><p>Are you inspired by these projects and do you have an initiative that might fit within Manufacturing NextMaterials? And are you considering cooperation with a German partner in the programme area? Then feel free to contact us - you may be able to start your project with a grant from October.</p><h2>Cross-border innovation, backed by Europe</h2><p>These projects are part of the Manufacturing NextMaterials initiative, a key component of the Interreg VI Deutschland-Nederland program. The initiative is co-financed by the European Union, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, MWIKE NRW, MB Niedersachsen, and the provinces of Drenthe, Flevoland, Fryslân, Gelderland, Groningen, Noord-Brabant, and Overijssel.</p><p>Together, we’re scaling innovation, boosting SME competitiveness, and building a smarter, greener manufacturing future.<br><br><strong>Interested? Visit the </strong><a href="https://www.mnm-interreg.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>MNM- website</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>

New funding fuels breakthroughs in sustainable and smart manufacturing