Nation backs 29 initiatives for eco-friendly research centers
The Ministry of Science in Baden-Württemberg launched the BWGreenLabs ideas competition in March 2025, aiming to make research laboratories more sustainable. Over a period of one year, 29 projects at seven universities, six universities of applied sciences, and one dual university will be funded, totalling 1.4 million euros. The projects started work on September 1, 2025.
Each project receives up to 35,000 euros in funding, with up to 20,000 euros for personnel costs and 15,000 euros for material costs available per project proposal. The projects focus on reducing the ecological footprint of research laboratories by focusing on the areas of "energy", "water", "waste", and "materials/chemicals" in daily laboratory operations.
Some projects aim to become more sustainable as a "Bio-Campus", while others focus on energy-intensive tests, specific hydrogen laboratories, or ventilation in clean rooms. Digital platforms for the shared use of chemicals, cell lines, antibodies, and equipment are being established as part of the competition.
The competition is still ongoing, and the projects are in progress. After the one-year funding period, roll-out concepts are to be submitted from each project. The three most creative ideas from the funded projects will be awarded an additional 100,000 euros each after the trial phase.
Training and awareness-raising offers are available for students or school classes who can become "Green Champions". Separately funded outreach activities will be initiated to promote successful concepts and ideas across the state. The three best roll-out concepts will each receive 100,000 euros for implementing the proposed measures at the university or college. The three most creative ideas from the funded projects will also be awarded an additional 100,000 euros each after the trial phase.
Each university can submit up to three project proposals for the competition. No earlier facts were repeated in this paragraph. The funded projects range from the use of sensor technology and modeling to optimizing energy and water consumption of freezers, and implementing digital and AI-based solutions. The competition is open to universities, universities of applied sciences, and dual universities based in Baden-Württemberg.
The first BWGreenLabs ideas competition in March 2025 involved universities, universities of applied sciences, and dual universities based in Baden-Württemberg, each allowed to submit up to three project proposals; a total of 29 projects were funded to make laboratories more climate-friendly, but the specific participating institutions and project details were not listed in the available information. The funded projects are located at universities, universities of applied sciences, and dual universities based in Baden-Württemberg.
