Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Press release / 28.1.2026

New Tech Transfer Fund TT49

Startups and scale-ups drive innovation in our economy. The first Fraunhofer Technology Transfer Fund (FTTF) was launched to finance technology-oriented start-ups. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, together with the European Investment Fund (EIF) and, for the first time, private and other public investors, is continuing this successful initiative. The goal of the new TT49 fund, with a planned capitalization of 90 million euros, is to provide early-stage support for innovation from the German and European research landscape and to sustainably strengthen technology transfer.

Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE / 27.1.2026

EmpowerDPP: Data management meets digital product passport – support for companies

Starting in January 2026, three Fraunhofer Clusters of Excellence will launch a joint project to support companies in implementing the EU requirements for digital product passports (DPPs), which will become mandatory in 2027. The project will focus on both technical and organizational areas of action for DPP data management. 

 

Joseph von Fraunhofer Commemorative Year under the Patronage of UNESCO

June 7, 2026, marks 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.

 

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These strategic customer segments provide industry customers with access to Fraunhofer’s industry-oriented services.

 

Fraunhofer Match − a fast solution

Fraunhofer Match is the central platform for placing research requests with Fraunhofer. Our 75 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
3/2025

Cover story: Open the Door! New solutions for medicine | and much more

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Latest News

2.2.2026

Sustainable Polyurethane Production Without Toxic Isocyanate

Polyurethanes (PUR) are found in many products, such as upholstered furniture, foam or insulation materials, flooring, paints and even medical catheter tubes. The production of these high-demand plastics, however, relies on toxic isocyanate. Fraunhofer researchers have now developed an alternative production process using harmless dicarbamate.
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2.2.2026

Intelligent Sensors for Quality-assured Cell Production

Fraunhofer research scientists are optimizing the manufacturing of 3D tissue models using a modular sensor platform and AI. Their solution enables continuous quality control in bioreactors and opens up new perspectives for the biotech and pharmaceutical industries – for more than just animal-free drug testing.
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2.2.2026

3D Camera Automates Ultrasound Documentation

Children are usually examined using ultrasound to protect them from radiation exposure. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA are now working on a system to automatically document the spatial recording position of ultrasound scans relative to the patient's body.
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2.2.2026

Multi-Layer Flax Fiber Fabric for Alternative Seating Furniture with Flexible Geometries

Sustainability is an aspect that more and more consumers pay close attention to when buying furniture. As part of their research project titled Linum Tube, researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut, WKI have created modern seating furniture that is easy to disassemble, adapt and transport, and is also highly recyclable. The modular systems are made of only two materials: fabric produced from natural fibers and steel tubes.
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