INM - LEIBNIZ-INSTITUT FUER NEUE MATERIALIEN GEMEINNUETZIGE GMBH

Their core work

INM is a German research institute in Saarbrücken specializing in advanced functional materials — from nanomaterials and smart coatings to bio-inspired adhesives and conductive fluids. Their core work bridges fundamental materials science with application-ready prototypes, particularly in areas like switchable adhesives for robotics, bio-inspired grippers for micro-assembly, and mechanobiology tools for understanding how cells respond to physical forces. They are part of the Leibniz Association, Germany's network of applied research institutes, which positions them between pure academia and industry-facing development.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In 2014–2018, INM's H2020 work centered on nanomaterial fundamentals: safety regulation (NanoREG II), nano-composite characterization (CREATe-Network), conductive oxides (INFINITY), and bio-adhesive training (BioSmartTrainee). From 2019 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward translating lab results into products — three ERC Proof-of-Concept grants took bio-inspired adhesives from concept to market validation for robotics, medical devices, and micro-assembly. Simultaneously, they deepened their mechanobiology work and launched their largest project (ELECTROFLUID) on conductive fluids for soft electronics, signalling a move into flexible and wearable electronic materials.

INM is moving from materials characterization toward application-ready prototypes in bio-inspired robotics components and soft electronic materials — expect them to seek industry partners for product development and scale-up.

How they like to work

INM operates as both a project leader and a specialist partner, with 5 coordinated projects (all ERC-POC or MSCA-IF) and 7 as participant in larger consortia. Their coordinated projects tend to be small, focused proof-of-concept efforts, while they join larger RIA and MSCA networks as a materials expertise contributor. With 88 unique partners across 23 countries, they are well-connected across Europe and open to diverse consortium configurations.

INM has collaborated with 88 distinct partners across 23 countries, indicating a broad European network rather than a narrow cluster. Their participation in MSCA training networks and large RIA consortia means they are connected to both academic groups and industry players across the materials science ecosystem.

What sets them apart

INM occupies a rare niche: they combine deep materials science (nano, bio-inspired, conductive) with a proven ability to push results toward market through ERC Proof-of-Concept grants — three in a row targeting robotics grippers, medical adhesives, and sensing systems. As a Leibniz institute, they have the infrastructure and continuity of a large research center but operate with the agility to spin off application-specific projects. For consortium builders, they bring both the fundamental materials know-how and a track record of translating it into defined product concepts.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ELECTROFLUID
  Their largest H2020 grant (EUR 1.5M) and most recent coordination — explores conductive suspension flows for soft electronics, signalling a major new research direction.
• STICK2SEE
  Third in a series of ERC-POC grants validating bio-inspired adhesive technology for micro-assembly markets — demonstrates a rare lab-to-market pipeline within H2020.
• MECHANO-CONTROL
  Large mechanobiology consortium (EUR 830K to INM) combining AFM, hydrogels, and traction force microscopy to understand how mechanical forces control cell behavior.