Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Press release / 5.10.2026

From energy research to the global market

A major success for technology transfer from applied research: At the end of July 2026, Fraunhofer IZM, Fraunhofer ENAS, and WIKA Alexander Wiegand SE & Co. KG signed a comprehensive agreement to commercialize the ASTROSE® overhead line monitoring technology. Under the licensing agreement, WIKA will take over the industrialization, production, and global marketing of the system. At the same time, the partners agreed on a five-year research and development collaboration to jointly advance the technology and open up new international markets.

Solutions for Maritime Transformation at SMM 2026

The maritime industry is facing a profound transformation: decarbonization, digitalization, and automation are shaping the future of shipping, ports, and shipyards.

At SMM 2026 in Hamburg, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft will be showcasing at Hall B6, Booth 230, how application-oriented research is paving the way for a sustainable and competitive maritime future.

Press release / 17.8.2026

Christoph Igel Joins Fraunhofer FKIE’s Institute Management

Christoph Igel has been appointed Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing and Ergonomics FKIE effective August 15, 2026. Igel will jointly lead the institute with Peter Martini, Executive Director of Fraunhofer FKIE. This shared leadership structure will strengthen Fraunhofer FKIE’s position as one of the largest defense technology research institutes within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft.

Press release / 5.8.2026

Marc Eichhorn Joins Fraunhofer IOSB’s Institute Management Team

The Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB is strengthening its leadership team. Effective August 1, Marc Eichhorn has joined the institute management and will co-lead Fraunhofer IOSB alongside Executive Director Jürgen Beyerer. The new dual leadership structure reflects the institute’s expanded expertise in laser technology, optronic systems, computer vision and AI-based robotics.

Press release / 3.8.2026

Fraunhofer IPMS Appoints Wenke Weinreich as Second Director

The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS is expanding its leadership team: Wenke Weinreich has been appointed the institute’s second director, effective immediately. In her new role, she will be working alongside Institute Director Harald Schenk and guiding the institute’s strategic and scientific direction. At the same time, she will take on the professorship in Functionalized Microelectronics for Heterogeneous Systems at the Dresden University of Technology.

 

Joseph von Fraunhofer Commemorative Year under the Patronage of UNESCO

June 7, 2026, was the 200th anniversary of Joseph von Fraunhofer’s death. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft takes this as an opportunity to honor its eponym with numerous initiatives and events. UNESCO also pays tribute to Joseph von Fraunhofer as a pioneer who bridged research and practice by declaring 2026 a commemorative year in his honor.

13.7.2026

Kickoff for the Big "FFB Fab": Münster Becomes the Heart of European Battery Production

More than 140 scientists are already advancing the industry-oriented production of battery cells at "FFB PreFab". The topping-out ceremony on July 13, 2026 marks the start of the decisive construction phase. On the approximately 39,000-square-meter site, a research infrastructure unique in Europe is being built - for battery cells up to the gigawatt scale.

 

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Fraunhofer Match − a fast solution

Fraunhofer Match is the central platform for placing research requests with Fraunhofer. Our 74 Fraunhofer institutes cover all areas of applied research. You tell us about your challenge or project − and Fraunhofer Match will put you in touch with researchers who have the right expertise to help you work out solutions.

 

Fraunhofer magazine
1/2026

Cover story: Energy? Of course | and much more 

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e. V.

 

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Latest news

2.11.2026

An AI-Driven Platform to Better Protect the Public

Extreme weather, blackouts or major emergencies: When every second counts, public agencies and local governments must act as fast as possible. But how can decision-makers maintain situational awareness and make well-informed decisions? An AI-driven civil protection dashboard will help them do just that. Fraunhofer researchers are developing the system with partners in the RegioGuard-PRO project. The aim is to integrate data from a range of sources, provide for early identification of situational awareness and improve collaboration among crisis responders and security personnel.
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2.11.2026

Buoys—The Communication Link Between the Underwater and Surface Worlds

Amid geopolitical turmoil, protecting critical maritime infrastructure is more important than ever. The Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing and Ergonomics FKIE is working together with maritime security research partners to develop innovative solutions for underwater acoustic communication and robust networks.
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2.11.2026

New Technology Optimizes Enzymes for Industry

Enzymes have enormous potential to make industrial manufacturing more efficient and unlock new production methods. However, tailoring them to specific applications is a complex process. In the ZenBio project, Fraunhofer researchers in Potsdam are developing an automated platform to accelerate this work by combining cell-free protein synthesis with AI-assisted enzyme design. The platform will enable companies to develop suitable enzymes faster and more cost-effectively.
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2.11.2026

New Processes for Recovering Rare Earth Elements from Magnets

Magnets are essential components in electric vehicles, wind turbines and electronics. However, their production depends on rare earth elements such as neodymium, about 90 percent of which is imported from China. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS are working with project partner TU Bergakademie Freiberg to develop a technology to recover these valuable raw materials in Germany for use in new products.
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