CEST KOMPETENZZENTRUM FUR ELEKTROCHEMISCHE OBERFLACHENTECHNOLOGIE GMBH

Their core work

CEST is an Austrian research SME specializing in electrochemical surface technology, with a strong focus on aerospace applications. They develop advanced coatings and surface treatments for the aeronautical industry — including anti-icing systems, chromium-free anodic layer removal, and graphene-based protective coatings for aircraft structures. Their work bridges materials science and manufacturing process validation, particularly for safety-critical aviation components made from composites and titanium alloys.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2017–2018), CEST focused on thermal and electrical heating-based ice protection systems for rotorcraft and regional aircraft, working as a participant in Clean Sky 2 consortia. From 2019 onward, they shifted toward coordinating their own projects and expanded into advanced materials — graphene composites, chromium-free surface chemistry, and additive manufacturing quality assurance for titanium. The trajectory shows a clear move from contributing coating expertise to others' aviation projects toward leading research on next-generation aerospace surface technologies.

CEST is moving from traditional electrochemical coatings toward graphene-based materials, additive manufacturing validation, and environmentally compliant (Cr-free) surface processes — positioning themselves at the intersection of green aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

How they like to work

CEST operates with a balanced profile: they coordinated half their projects (3 of 6), suggesting confidence in leading research while also contributing specialist expertise to larger consortia. With 19 unique partners across 8 countries, they maintain a reasonably diverse European network rather than relying on a small circle. Their Clean Sky 2 involvement indicates strong ties to the European aviation supply chain and JTI governance structures.

CEST has collaborated with 19 distinct partners across 8 European countries, built primarily through Clean Sky 2 Joint Technology Initiative projects. Their network is aviation-sector focused, connecting them to aircraft OEMs, materials suppliers, and aerospace research institutes across the EU.

What sets them apart

CEST occupies a distinctive niche: they combine deep electrochemical surface science with direct aerospace application, a combination few SMEs can offer. Their ability to both develop functional coatings (anti-ice, graphene, Cr-free) and validate manufacturing processes (NDT for additive titanium) makes them a versatile partner for aviation supply chain projects. Being an SME with coordinator experience in Clean Sky 2 signals both technical credibility and project management capacity — a strong combination for consortium builders seeking Austrian partners.

Highlights from their portfolio

• Cr Free REAL
  Their largest project (EUR 390k) and a coordinator role — addresses the regulatory push to eliminate hexavalent chromium from aerospace surface treatments.
• GRAPHICING
  Coordinated project applying graphene to aircraft structures for multiple functions (de-icing, lightning protection, emission reduction) — signals a forward-looking materials strategy.
• 3TANIUM
  Coordinated project bridging additive manufacturing with NDT for titanium aerospace parts — represents their newest capability area and a growing industry need.