What would it mean if you could make a system quieter or more stable? Make a component suitable for extremely low temperatures or a vacuum? Or further increase the precision and reliability of your technology? Such developments can lead to higher-performing products, new applications, or opportunities in other markets.The extreme technical requirements of the future Einstein Telescope (ET) present interesting R&amp;D challenges in this regard. This underground observatory will measure gravitational waves—ripples in space and time caused by events such as collisions between black holes. Detecting these signals requires advanced technologies in areas such as ultra-high vacuum, cryogenic cooling, and vibration damping. Technologies that companies and researchers are already developing can play a key role in this effort.On Thursday, October 29, 2026, the Interreg project COMET will bring together companies, researchers, and technology experts at the University of Twente. During this interactive workshop, we will explore which technological solutions are needed, what expertise is already available, and where opportunities lie for joint R&amp;D projects.<h2>Who is the workshop intended for?</h2>The workshop is intended for companies, researchers, and knowledge institutions from the Netherlands and Germany that want to further develop their technology, exchange expertise, or seek new R&amp;D collaborations.For Companies The workshop is of interest to manufacturing companies, high-tech firms, and technology suppliers working on:<ul><li data-list-item-id="e55a1abd03b673314c628c9dffc1895aa">Precision technology and mechatronics: precision components, motion systems, and high-tech machines.</li><li data-list-item-id="ebfd2e85a0a33f1766e922a619ae931c3">Refrigeration technology and thermal management: cryogenic cooling, heat transfer, and temperature control.</li><li data-list-item-id="eb8f480b216c9976b3ecc62e93c244900">Sensors and measurement and control technology: precise measurements, monitoring, and control systems.</li><li data-list-item-id="e9b2284df14ae49cfe67896777c2f1ca4">Vacuum technology: vacuum pumps, valves, seals, and vacuum systems.</li><li data-list-item-id="e35ee36d6144e5d6144c5cc9a3cff244c">Materials and components: materials that must function reliably under extreme temperatures, pressure differentials, or vibrations.</li><li data-list-item-id="e070e21fa952a4e013acf9c41cfffd3fa">Vibration isolation and stability: systems for vibration damping, positioning, and mechanical stability.</li></ul>You don’t have to be directly involved in vacuum or cryogenic technology. Metalworkers, fabricators, surface treatment specialists, or seal manufacturers can also provide the necessary specialized knowledge. We need companies that can perform precision welding, machining, cleaning, assembly, or manufacturing to tight tolerances. It’s all about expertise.For researchers and research institutions The workshop is also intended for researchers and research groups active in vacuum technology, cryogenics, materials science, precision technology, and related fields. It offers the opportunity to link research knowledge to concrete technological challenges, find industrial expertise, and explore new collaborations with companies.<h2>What are the benefits of the workshop?</h2><ul><li data-list-item-id="ee0cc637c414a4f17159668e03c4296ef">Discover new development opportunities: explore how extreme technical requirements can contribute to the further development of your technology or research.</li><li data-list-item-id="ea2b167b883928d8b82dc5ed97868525b">Gain insight into specific R&amp;D challenges: discover what solutions are needed in the fields of vacuum and cryogenic technology.</li><li data-list-item-id="e3487d428452786b0dc3002934740726b">Meet potential collaboration partners: exchange knowledge with companies, researchers, and technology experts from the Netherlands and Germany.</li><li data-list-item-id="e8ce349ccd13a4c7461cb656ff9da6668">Explore new applications: discover where your existing technology or expertise can contribute to solutions for the Einstein Telescope and potentially other markets.</li><li data-list-item-id="ef19882828453408d20e159f884524112">Discover funding opportunities: learn how COMET can support you in setting up a cross-border R&amp;D project.</li></ul><h2>Program</h2>13:00 – 13:30 | Doors openIntroduction to the Einstein Telescope – Gideon Koekoek, Associate Professor of Physics<ul><li data-list-item-id="e8394a7068e45f3e60d55d2de5c7562e3">In-depth look at instrument technology – Why and where are vacuum and cryogenic technologies needed?</li><li data-list-item-id="e95d01485bc8b2852de1994cc417c4a4e">Industry perspective – Romaine Kunst, DEMCON</li><li data-list-item-id="edaea28354770d05dca0f576e475daa80">Coffee break and networking</li><li data-list-item-id="eda33a384212f4de6afba1230049e53c1">The role of the business community in the Einstein Telescope – Noa Avital, Oost NL / COMET</li><li data-list-item-id="eb922f009331673b61dcb8e21f64589ca">Interactive workshop and partner exploration – Explore technical challenges and opportunities for R&amp;D collaboration - Matthias Grosch, NMWP</li><li data-list-item-id="e007731fd043596d3766662be213ed8eb">Summary and National Growth Fund – Albert van Dorssen, Business Developer for Commercialization of the Einstein Telescope, InnovationQuarter</li><li data-list-item-id="eab1de44ff96a04c00d153b2518943b87">MESA + High Pressure Lab (ET) visit</li></ul>17:00 - 18:00 | Networking reception with snacks and drinksThe detailed programme schedule will be announced soon.<h2>High Pressure Lab Visit</h2>During the lab visit at the University of Twente, participants will discover how researchers are developing vibration-free cooling technologies for the Einstein Telescope. The precision mirrors that reflect the laser beams must be cooled to approximately -260 °C, without the cooling system itself generating vibrations that could interfere with the extremely sensitive measurements. The Energy, Materials and Systems (EMS) research group at the University of Twente is developing specialised cooling technologies for this purpose, building on previous research experience gained through projects for the European Space Agency (ESA).At the High Pressure Lab, participants will see a scale model of a vacuum measurement tower, approximately 3 metres in diameter and 2.5 metres high. The final underground version is expected to be at least 20 metres tall, allowing the mirrors to be suspended without vibrations.<h2>Participation is free</h2>This free workshop is organized by COMET and is part of the 5th IWC-HTS International Workshop on Cooling Systems for HTS Applications. You can attend this afternoon session separately; participation in the full IWC-HTS program is not required.Would you like to attend the full workshop from October 26–29? If so, you can register separately via <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://hts2026.com/">the website of the 5th IWC-HTS International Workshop on Cooling Systems for HTS Applications.</a>Curious about where your technology, expertise, or research could be useful? Stop by on October 29 and discover the possibilities.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://assets-eur.mkt.dynamics.com/9b7c2619-058a-427b-b9f1-4d71c2350f02/digitalassets/standaloneforms/37ea0153-9cb1-f111-aaac-000d3a489cd2?readableEventId=Vacuum_Cryogenics_workshop_COMET3875845029">Register for free!</a><h2>Develop your technology with COMET</h2>Do you see an opportunity to further develop your technology? COMET supports Dutch-German R&amp;D consortia working on technological challenges relevant to the Einstein telescope. SMEs can collaborate with a research organization or other SMEs across the border and receive up to €75,000 in funding.COMET focuses on five technology areas, including vacuum and cryogenic technology, and helps companies and researchers find suitable partners, explore technological synergies, and develop joint R&amp;D projects.

Vacuum & Cryogenics: Bridging Research and Industrial Applications