BREMBO NV

Their core work

Brembo is a global leader in brake system design and manufacturing, headquartered in Bergamo, Italy (the NL entity serves as a holding structure). In H2020, they contribute deep expertise in brake materials, friction systems, and their environmental impact — particularly non-exhaust particle emissions from braking. Their research extends into advanced composites, lightweight vehicle components, and electrified powertrain integration, reflecting their push to adapt braking technology for electric and low-emission vehicles. They bring real industrial manufacturing capacity and testing infrastructure to consortia, not just research input.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 participation (2014–2018), Brembo focused on core brake system innovation (LOWBRASYS), lightweight vehicle design (EU-LIVE), advanced materials like intermetallics and composites (EQUINOX, MODCOMP), and aerospace systems (SYS GAM 2018). From 2019 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward electrification (EVC1000 with in-wheel powertrains) and the environmental impact of transport — specifically emissions reduction through driver behavior (MODALES) and nanoparticle emissions from both exhaust and non-exhaust sources (nPETS). This evolution mirrors the automotive industry's transition: Brembo moved from optimizing brake performance and materials toward addressing the environmental footprint of braking itself.

Brembo is positioning itself at the intersection of electrified mobility and non-exhaust emission control — a regulatory hot topic as the EU tightens particulate matter standards for brakes and tires under Euro 7.

How they like to work

Brembo operates predominantly as a contributing partner (8 of 9 projects), taking the coordinator role only once — on LOWBRASYS, which sits squarely in their core domain of brake systems. With 168 unique consortium partners across 23 countries, they maintain a very broad network rather than relying on repeat partnerships. This pattern is typical of a large industrial company that joins diverse consortia to access new technologies and validate products, while letting research institutions lead the science.

Brembo has collaborated with 168 unique partners across 23 countries, giving them one of the broader networks among automotive component manufacturers in H2020. Their geographic spread covers most of the EU, with no apparent concentration beyond their home base of Italy.

What sets them apart

Brembo is one of very few global brake manufacturers actively engaged in EU research on the environmental impact of braking — a niche that is becoming critical as Euro 7 regulations target non-exhaust particulate emissions. Their ability to bridge fundamental materials science (carbon nanofibre composites, intermetallics) with high-volume automotive manufacturing makes them a rare industrial validation partner. For any consortium working on vehicle emissions, advanced friction materials, or electrified chassis systems, Brembo brings both the R&D depth and the production reality that most academic partners lack.

Highlights from their portfolio

• LOWBRASYS
  Their only coordinator role and largest single grant (EUR 1.8M), directly targeting Brembo's core mission: developing a low environmental impact brake system.
• nPETS
  Their most recent project, addressing nanoparticle emissions from transport — a frontier regulatory issue where brake dust is a major contributor, perfectly aligned with Brembo's strategic pivot.
• EVC1000
  Signals Brembo's move into electrified powertrain components, working on in-wheel motors and electrified chassis control beyond their traditional brake-only scope.