Three young companies in the final

A total of 13 research and development teams from Germany and abroad submitted their projects. Particularly noteworthy: nine applications came from companies that have been on the market for less than five years, employ fewer than 50 people and generate an annual turnover of less than ten million euros. This development demonstrates the strong start-up impetus and innovative strength of the industry.

Three young companies convinced the jury:

• Coher Sense, Lübeck: Dr. Oliver Lischtschenko developed 'KISA - The Multimeter for Lasers', a compact, fast and industrial-grade measuring system. KISA measures laser radiation independently and simultaneously determines power and wavelength. The technology is based on findings from fusion research and replaces complex measurement setups such as Fizeau interferometers, spectrometers or Fabry-Pérot interferometers in certain applications.
• Metubiq, Kassel and University of Kassel: Hüseyin Serbes, Andre Stelter, Alexander Metzker, Dr. Stanislav Tereschenko and Prof. Dr. Peter Lehmann developed a vibration-immune inline white light interferometry for manufacturing. The patented vibration compensation enables high-precision 3D microtopography measurements with sub-nanometer accuracy directly in the production environment and opens up new possibilities for inline and in-situ quality control.
• Moldsonics, Linz (Austria): Dr. Bernhard Praher and Dr. Thomas Mitterlehner present an ultrasound-based inline sensor platform for continuous monitoring of process condition and wear in plastics processing. The solution records process-relevant data in injection molding as well as in the screw and barrel of extruders during operation. High-temperature sensors up to +300°C and standardized interfaces enable integration into existing systems.

All three nominees will receive a free trade fair appearance at Sensor+Test 2026 in Nuremberg as a special 'Young Company' award and will also compete for the AMA Innovation Award 2026, which is endowed with 10,000 euros.

"This year's submissions presented us with a challenging selection process. The breadth and depth of innovation was exceptionally high," explains Prof. Dr. Klaus Stefan Drese, jury chairman from the Institute for Sensor and Actuator Technology at Coburg University of Applied Sciences. "The strong participation of young companies is particularly pleasing. It is impressive proof of how dynamically sensor and measurement technology is developing and how consistently new ideas are being transformed into marketable solutions."

The winners will be announced on June 9, 2026 at the opening event of Sensor+Test 2026 in Nuremberg.