Mona Okroy-Hellweg
Senior Manager Marketing and Communications
IVAM Microtechnology Network
Oct. 8, 2019
IVAM InSide
Mona Okroy-Hellweg
Senior Manager Marketing and Communications
IVAM Microtechnology Network

4 questions for Dr. Lutz Aschke, IVAM Chairman of the Executive Board

Dr. Lutz Aschke has been working for the global high-tech company TRUMPF since 2015. There, he was responsible for business field and technology development and, as CFO, for the Laser Technology and Electronics Division. Aschke has been Managing Director of the TRUMPF Business Division "Photonic Components" since April 2019.

In addition to his activities with IVAM, Dr. Aschke was also active in various board and advisory board positions, among others at the Laser Institute of America (LIA) and at the Forschungsvereinigung Feinmechanik, Optik und Medizintechnik e. V., F.O.M. . He is currently curator at the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM.

Which technologies are particularly close to your heart and why? 

For me these are of course the optical and photonic technologies, also due to my work for IVAM.

I believe that photonics has played a major role in shaping technological progress overall. On the one hand, with regard to the potential for microelectronics, and on the other hand, in terms of energy efficiency.

An example is the data transmission from light. This is much more efficient than the use of conventional copper cables.

In principle, production technologies are essential because they enable lithographic structuring down to the micro and nano ranges, thus opening up numerous innovative applications.

Where do you see the greatest potential for the future?

As a microtechnology association, we naturally deal with innovation through miniaturization. After all, "reduction" is what makes many applications possible in the first place. Because you can suddenly carry things around with you! 

Microtechnologies also make the world a little greener! Because everything that is very small naturally requires less energy. 

Which technological innovation is most impressive for you personally?

 I believe that these are the advances in micro- and nanotechnologies that are driving digitalization forward and making things possible that we would not have dreamed of a few years ago. 

The smartphone, for example: Thanks to miniaturization, we can now take a full-fledged computer with us anywhere - I personally still find that very impressive. 

From your point of view as an entrepreneur: What advantages does a network like IVAM offer in times when theoretically everything can be found online at any time?

The personal relationship! Entrepreneurs are not only looking for pure information but also for trust.

In a highly regulated world, a professional network helps through expertise by providing support and orientation, for example on patent or antitrust laws, international market development or innovation management.   

Since the board election on April 4, 2019, Dr. Lutz Aschke of TRUMPF Photonic Components as chairman, Dominique Bouwes of Micronit as deputy chairwoman, Matthias Lorenz of AEMtec GmbH, Bärbel Schilling of Plan Optik AG and Dr. Hans van den Vlekkert of LioniX BV have been members of the five-member executive board of IVAM Fachverband für Mikrotechnik.

Background information: IVAM Microtechnology Network: personnel changes after board elections