NextLayer: FLTMC Finalist Profile
NextLayer is one of the finalists for the From Lab to Market Challenge.
CHEManager: What is your technology, and what makes it work?
Sebastian Zimmermann, Oliver Wolf, Matthias Maiberg, & Torsten Hölscher: Our technology is a simulation-based software platform for digital twins of complex optoelectronic layer systems, currently designed for multi-junction solar cells. It combines material synthesis parameters, experimental measurements, and simulations (with future integration of AI/ML algorithms) to resolve the physical properties of individual layers and their electronic interactions with each other.
What problem does your technology solve, and what is the business potential?
S. Zimmermann, O. Wolf, M. Maiberg, & T. Hölscher: With simulations, we identify performance limitations and optimize the use of new thin-film materials or modifications of existing film parameters while drastically reducing the number of required experiments. For companies, this accelerates development processes, enabling new product designs to reach the market faster. At the same time, costs are reduced through lower personnel and equipment requirements for experiments, while sustainability is improved through greener materials and workflows.
What's the next milestone your team is working towards?
S. Zimmermann, O. Wolf, M. Maiberg, & T. Hölscher: The next milestone is expanding the simulation software and measurement methods from photovoltaics to semiconductor chemistry, storage, and energy technologies. The team will also integrate AI and machine learning to accelerate simulations and optimize material parameters. In parallel, an EXIST startup grant application is planned for Q2 2026, with company formation targeted for the end of 2027.
