For Customers and Partners

Fraunhofer lead markets: our strategic customer segments

Applied research is the hallmark of Fraunhofer. Industry is our partner. In line with our research fields, Fraunhofer has defined strategic customer segments, which we call “lead markets.” By promoting innovation, Fraunhofer lead markets give Germany a global competitive edge, secure the technological sovereignty of Germany and Europe and deliver sustainable value creation for society.  

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

                     

                     

                     

                    

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

Your contacts

Public sector

The German Mittelstand and SMEs

Large companies

What can Fraunhofer do for its customers?

What does Fraunhofer do? What kind of collaboration with Fraunhofer is possible? What can Fraunhofer do for its customers?

 

If you are considering working with Fraunhofer for the first time, you are sure to have lots of questions. We hope you will find the answers to some of your key questions below.

Outstanding pre-competitive research

Strategic research fields
 

Forming the core focus of our research portfolio, the seven Fraunhofer strategic research fields aim to address needs and markets that will shape our future. Within these fields, our outstanding pre-competitive research specifically targets projects that have high commercial potential, thereby enhancing our impact on society and across multiple sectors. By pursuing the Fraunhofer strategic research fields, we aim to continuously strengthen the roles of Germany and Europe as key hubs of business and innovation while fostering our technological sovereignty and promoting sustainable value creation.

Transfer of ideas and innovations to industry

Valuable technological knowledge and expertise is generated at the Fraunhofer institutes each and every day. For 75 years, Fraunhofer has been fulfilling its responsibility for the successful transfer of this knowledge and know-how to industry and society by contributing to new products, services and processes. The successful commercialization of technology hinges on a broad and sophisticated set of technology transfer mechanisms.

 

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.

The Fraunhofer Academy: professional education

The Fraunhofer Academy is the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft's provider for continuing education. Together, we stand for applied cutting-edge research: Wherever new technologies and processes are applied, the Fraunhofer Academy creates the conditions for a new culture of innovation in companies for an economically successful future through continuing education.

 

Fraunhofer magazine
3/2025

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

A voice from the business world

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  • Europe’s Pharmaceutical Industry at a Crossroads

    Stefan Oelrich, President of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), shares his thoughts.

    Stefan Oelrich
    © Steffen Kugler

    Stefan Oelrich, Präsident der European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA).

    Europe’s Pharmaceutical Industry at a Crossroads: Reforming pharmaceutical legislation could make the supply of medicines more secure and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. Stefan Oelrich, President of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), shares his thoughts

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  • Innovation Requires Freedom and Confidence

    An opinion column by Marie-Christine Ostermann, President of Die Familienunternehmer e. V., a nonprofit dedicated to family businesses.

    Marie-Christine Ostermann
    © Foto: Anne Großmann/Die Familienunternehmer e.V.

    Less government regulation, bolder investment in our future — that could get the German economy rolling again. An opinion column by Marie-Christine Ostermann, President of Die Familienunternehmer e. V., a nonprofit dedicated to family businesses.

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  • Growth as part of change

    Viewpoint: Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

    Oliver Zipse, Vorsitzender des Vorstands der BMW AG.
    © Rainer Häckl

    There is little commitment to growth in Germany’s policy sector. We need a mental paradigm shift for our country and for Europe as a whole: more carrot and less stick, more entry strategies than exit ones. Viewpoint from Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

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  • Harnessing AI for good

    Viewpoint: Dr. Roland Busch, president and chief executive officer of Siemens AG

    Dr. Roland Busch, Vorstandsvorsitzender der Siemens AG
    © Enno Kapitza

    AI will unlock greater productivity, enabling more innovation and sustainability. It is the big opportunity of our time. To harness it, Germany needs a wise immigration policy — and a culture of openness.

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  • Pragmatism trumps the sledgehammer approach

    Martin Brudermüller, CEO of BASF SE, offers his view

    Martin Brudermüller, Vorstandsvorsitzender BASF SE
    © BASF SE

    Everyone agrees on the goal: Europe will become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. However, there is still debate around how to achieve the great task of this century. One thing is clear, though: It cannot happen without a strong and competitive chemical industry.

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Events and trade shows

  • Messe München / March 24, 2026 - March 27, 2026

    Fraunhofer at the analytica

    Seven Fraunhofer Institutes will be presenting innovative technologies for diagnostics, biotechnology, and process control at analytica 2026 in Hall A3, Booth 312. A particular highlight: researchers are taking the production of 3D tissue to a new level with an AI-supported sensor platform, opening up new perspectives for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

    more info
  • Online / April 15, 2026, GMT / UTC + 2

    Fraunhofer CCPE compact "Ready for PPWR?"

    The next Fraunhofer CCPE compact on the topic of “Ready for PPWR? Packaging design for the whole value chain” will take place on April 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

    more info
  • Hannover, Germany / April 20, 2026 - April 24, 2026

    Fraunhofer at the HANNOVER MESSE 2026

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    Under the motto “Innovations for our Future,” the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft will present its latest solutions at HANNOVER MESSE 2026. From April 20 to 24, 2026, nine Fraunhofer institutes and groups, together with the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD), will be showcasing technologies for a resilient, sustainable and digitally networked industry.

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  • Messe Berlin / April 21, 2026 - April 23, 2026

    Fraunhofer at the DMEA 2026

    Fraunhofer showcases innovations for digital healthcare at DMEA 2026. How can medical data be better evaluated, documentation processes made more efficient, and clinical decisions made on a more informed basis? At DMEA 2026, the Fraunhofer Society will present technologies that analyze health data, reduce the workload of medical staff, and enable new data-based applications in research and healthcare. At the Fraunhofer joint booth, several institutes will showcase current developments ranging from AI-supported symptom analysis and data rooms for the secure exchange of health data to assistance systems for medical documentation and data-based decision support.

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  • Messe München / May 04, 2026 - May 07, 2026

    Fraunhofer auf at the IFAT 2026

    How can wastewater be turned into recyclable materials, electronic waste into key raw materials, and wind turbine blades into new products? At IFAT 2026, the Fraunhofer Water Systems Alliance will be demonstrating what a circular water and raw materials economy looks like in practice in Hall B2/115. Eight Fraunhofer Institutes will present solutions covering the entire water cycle – from water analysis to wastewater treatment and reuse.

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  • Fraunhofer Institute Center Dresden / May 18, 2026 - May 20, 2026

    Dresden Battery Days 2026

    Solid electrolyte batteries are considered potential candidates that can overcome the disadvantages of conventional lithium-ion batteries in terms of safety and energy density. However, we are not yet seeing entry into the mass market and therefore ask ourselves: Where do solid electrolyte batteries stand today? Exchange different perspectives at our two-day meeting and discuss where you see solid electrolyte batteries – ante portas or still as a vision?

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  • Convention Centre Karlsruhe, Gartenhalle / June 23, 2026 - June 26, 2026

    55th International Annual Conference of the Fraunhofer ICT

    Annual Conference of the Fraunhofer ICT at Gartenhalle Karlsruhe

    The 55th International Annual Conference of Fraunhofer ICT covers scientific and technological progress in the entire field of energetic materials and related disciplines. Initiated over 50 years ago, the conferences have gained worldwide importance, with hundreds of participants from over 30 nations attending every year.

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  • Fraunhofer IKTS Dresden, Germany / September 16, 2026 - September 18, 2026

    International Symposium on Piezocomposite Applications ISPA

    ISPA is the leading international platform for piezoceramic composite technologies and their role in advancing component performance in extreme conditions and mission-critical applications. The 2026 year’s theme, "Where Frontiers Meet" highlights the intersection of pioneering materials and frontier applications — from orbit to ocean, from micro-sensing and actuation to structural health monitoring.

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  • Mannheim, Germany / December 08, 2026 - December 10, 2026

    Airbag 2026 - 17th International Symposium on Integral Car Safety Systems

    Schnittansicht eines Autolenkrads.
    © Fraunhofer ICT

    The Airbag Symposium features an impressive lineup of distinguished speakers who are leaders in the field of automotive safety and airbag technology. Their lectures cover a wide range of topics, providing valuable insights into the latest research, innovations, and trends. In addition to the keynote presentations, the symposium also showcases a variety of high-quality posters that highlight cutting-edge research and developments from both emerging talents and established experts. These posters offer a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with the content, ask questions, and discuss ideas directly with the authors. Together, the excellent speakers and innovative poster presentations create an enriching experience for all participants, fostering collaboration and inspiring new approaches to enhancing vehicle safety. Don't miss the chance to learn from the best in the industry and contribute to the important dialogue on airbag technology!

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