The Cluster
Research where
industry is.
AMAP is not a classic institute, nor a classic association — it is a physical research site where industry and academia work together on one material: aluminium.
Idea & Structure
One site, two worlds
Since its founding in 2012, AMAP GmbH has brought industrial companies and institutes of RWTH Aachen University together at a shared site. Project staff from industry and academia sit side by side, instead of cooperating only through reports and phone calls.
The result is a pre-competitive research approach: all partners agree on common goals before competition begins. This builds trust, shortens paths, and enables projects that would not emerge without this proximity.
"From raw material to component" — as the basis for sustainable benefit to our partners.
Guiding principle of the AMAP research approachResearch site Aachen
Interior shot, lab / cluster
Value Chain
From raw material to component
The AMAP research approach follows the material through its entire life cycle. Every stage of the chain is staffed with dedicated institutes, methods, and industry partners — closely connected through colloquia, projects, and the AMAP Forum.
Organisation
How the cluster works
13 + 6 partners
- 13 industrial companies, from mid-sized suppliers to global corporations.
- 6 institutes of RWTH Aachen University, from metallurgy to forming technology.
- Guest members such as Aluminium Deutschland e. V. extend the network.
Pre-competitive
- Shared goal-setting before project start secures trust between competitors.
- AMAP GmbH's management coordinates projects, colloquia, and memberships.
- Transparent rules, documented in the Antitrust Reminder.
Colloquia & Forum
- Monthly colloquia bring current research directly to members.
- The AMAP Forum showcases results of multi-year project work.
- Young engineers gain early access to industry projects.