Stuttgart Surface Technology Prize "The Surface" 2026 awarded
On May 5, 2026, Fraunhofer IPA presented the Stuttgart Surface Technology Award "The Surface 2026" for the 10th time at SurfaceTechnology Germany in Stuttgart. The jury recognized solutions that can replace chemical cleaning processes, bring recyclates into electroplating and provide an alternative to gold in power electronics.
The joint development LAMA by SLCR Lasertechnik GmbH and Dörken Coatings GmbH & Co. KG won first prize in the Stuttgart Surface Technology Award "Die Oberfläche" 2026. The laser-based system cleans metallic bulk goods such as screws, nuts and clips in a single step, replacing chemical cleaning processes in combination with mechanical blasting. The jury awarded second prize to BIA Kunststoff- und Galvanotechnik GmbH & Co. KG for the Remap concept, which enables Class A high-gloss surfaces from recycled plastics in decorative electroplating for the first time. The third prize went to Enayati Oberflächentechnik GmbH for the AgTherm high-temperature silver coating system, which significantly expands the range of applications for silver in power electronics at continuous temperatures above 200 °C, making it an alternative to hard gold.
Stuttgart Surface Technology Award showcases innovations in the industry
The three winning innovations of the Stuttgart Surface Technology Award 2026 are examples of how far the industry has developed these disciplines. The initiator of the award, Martin Metzner, Head of the Resource-Efficient Materials and Processes business segment at Fraunhofer IPA, draws a clear conclusion: "After ten award ceremonies, I am constantly impressed by the innovative strength of the industry. The applications show how practical and forward-looking solutions are created from real industrial challenges. The distinctive inventive spirit is particularly evident in the award-winning technologies and applications." Companies and individuals from all disciplines of surface technology were invited to apply until March 6, 2026. The independent expert jury consisted of Dr.-Ing. Martin Metzner from Fraunhofer IPA, Dr. Martin Riester from VDMA Oberflächentechnik and Dr. Michael Hilt from the Forschungsgesellschaft für Pigmente und Lacke e. V. The jurors evaluated all applications according to four central criteria: Innovative leap, sustainability, enabler quality and industrial feasibility. They nominated five submissions and selected three award winners. For a detailed presentation of all award winners visit our report on Surface Technology Online.
Contact details and information on the companies and institutions presented here can be found in our interactive surface technology industry directory.