Bridging the gap between Science and Industry Germany has gained a leading position in the photovoltaics (PV) market. To stay ahead, it is crucial to increase the technological effort in the rapidly expanding field of thin-film PV as well. Here, swift transfer from lab developments into cost effective production is a key factor. PVcomB’s main goal is to support world wide growth of thin-film photovoltaic technologies and -products by providing the much needed technology transfer. The structure of PVcomB – Competence Centre Thin-Film- and Nanotechnology for Photovoltaics Berlin is unique in its combination of research & development with high-level education and training. In cooperative R&D projects with industry, all relevant aspects of the production of thin-film modules are addressed. Additionally, education and training will provide the industry with highly skilled thin-film PV professionals. Founding partners of PVcomB are HZB – Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH and TUB – Technische Universität Berlin. Complete Manufacturing Process in Pilot-Lines There is a large gap between production of lab-sized photovoltaic cells and industrial-size modules. PVcomB bridges this gap by operating two dedicated pilot-lines for intermediate size PV modules with an area of 30 x 30 cm². This module size allows R&D perfectly suited to address questions arising in industrial production. At the same time, alternatives can be developed and tested for each process and analytical step, from substrate through absorber layer deposition to encapsulation. The great variety of analytical tools available ensures that changes in the product-performance can be linked to fundamental material properties. A truly unique feature of PVcomB´s pilot lines is that both thin-film silicon as well as CIS based modules will be studied within a single laboratory. This convenient arrangement offers the potential to unlock significant synergies in many topics common to all thin film based technologies.