Due to the growing competition and the unstable framework conditions for raw materials and energy supply, the Saxon companies are interested in accelerating the development of more resource- and energy-efficient technologies. This requires reliable virtualisation and design tools. At the same time, Saxon companies need highly qualified and experienced professionals and managers who are able to ensure companies’ innovative strength in global competition. Building on the fundamental work of the Centre for Innovation Competence Virtuhcon, the junior research group will develop practical virtualisation and design tools for large-scale high-temperature processes in metallurgy and chemistry. These tools are used by regional plant engineering companies and operators to design, analyse and optimise both existing and new, efficient process concepts.