Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
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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 as well as deliver sustainable value creation for society.  

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

                     

Plant, mechanical and vehicle engineering

                     

Construction industry

                     

Chemical Industry

                    

Digital Economy

                     

Energy Sector

                     

Agriculture and food industry

                     

Healthcare Sector

                     

Aerospace Economy

                     

Mobility Sector

Your contact persons

Public sector

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The German Mittelstand and SMEs

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Large companies

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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.

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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.

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Transfer of ideas and innovations into the economy

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 the economy and society by contributing to new products, services and processes. The successful commercialization of technology hinges on a broad and sophisticated set of transfer mechanisms.

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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.

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Fraunhofer magazine
2/2025

Cover story: Security and infrastructure − How we do it | The sound of a safe bridge  | Germany’s Ailing Infrastructure | 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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Events and trade fairs

  • Fraunhofer IFAM / February 25, 2026 - February 26, 2026

    Symposium on Innovations in Drones and Autonomous Systems for Wind Park Operations

    This symposium will convene scientists, researchers, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements in technologies for wind turbine inspection and maintenance across various environments. The program will focus on innovative inspection methods, challenges in maintenance within offshore and onshore environments, successful repair strategies, and the integration of robotics and automation. Additional topics will include the training and qualification of service personnel, as well as sustainability and environmental protection during inspection and repair activities.

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  • RPTU Kaiserslautern / March 18, 2026 - March 19, 2026

    International Commercial Vehicle Technology Symposium Kaiserslautern 2024

    Nutzfahrzeuge Silhouette
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    The Commercial Vehicle Technology Symposium is a two-day conference held on the campus of the Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU). The conference includes approximately 50 technical papers and poster presentations focusing on international trends and technological developments in the commercial vehicle industry. The symposium will be accompanied by a trade exhibition with companies and a special vehicle exhibition.

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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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Further information