Press / Newsroom

As part of the HTAD Days, which are taking place from May 18 to 22, 2026, the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) presented the High-Tech Agenda for Germany (HTAD) roadmaps yesterday. The president of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft sees this step as a catalyst for a consistent innovation policy and for accelerated transfer of strategic technologies to industry. Constantin Häfner, Executive Board Member for Research and Transfer at the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, welcomes the fact that the HTAD is not an abstract concept but a tangible blueprint for our future competitiveness in AI, microelectronics and fusion energy.

Raoul Klingner took over the role as institute director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut, WKI on May 15, 2026. The wood science expert is now in charge of the strategic alignment of the institute on a permanent basis, after having been the acting institute director since October 1, 2024. At the same time, Raoul Klingner is also taking over the Professorship for Organic and Wood-Based Materials at the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences of TU Braunschweig.

Artificial intelligence, advanced sensor technologies and immersive simulation are opening new possibilities for law enforcement and public security agencies. From May 20 to 22, 2026, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft will present new internal security solutions at the GPEC General Police Equipment Exhibitions & Conference in Leipzig. These will include technologies for analyzing digital evidence, identifying threats at an early stage and training personnel in realistic environments. Under the theme “Internal Security Made by Fraunhofer—Forensics · Surveillance · Training,” four Fraunhofer institutes will demonstrate how their developments can be applied in practice at Hall 2, Booth J32.

High-quality athletic shoes are usually made from a complex combination of materials. This has consequences for both production and recycling. In the ZiProMat project, Fraunhofer researchers have found another way. A sole made of programmable monomaterial performs various functions and is also made of the same material as the upper. The concept combines high-tech, sustainability and recyclability.

Green hydrogen is a key area of opportunity in the energy transition. However, the use of pipelines to transport this energy source is associated with a degree of risk. Research scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Ernst-Mach-Institut, EMI, are developing a hydraulic simulation tool to assist with the planning of a resilient hydrogen infrastructure designed to safeguard energy supply.

While germinating, seeds must be supplied with sufficient water and protected from herbicides, as undisturbed crop development is key to ensuring stable and high yields. As part of the SeedPlus project, researchers from three Fraunhofer institutes have developed a biodegradable seed coating that features integrated water storage capacity and protection from herbicides to facilitate high germination rates.

Nitrous oxide is the third most significant greenhouse gas in terms of climate impact after carbon dioxide and methane. It is primarily generated as a result of nitrogen fertilization in agriculture. The Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM has developed a compact and cost-effective measurement system that detects nitrous oxide emissions from farmland directly in the field. The system will help make fertilization more efficient in the future.

Medical imaging devices such as endoscopes transmit their data via cables to monitors and hospital information systems. In collaboration with partners, Fraunhofer researchers in the OWIMED project are working to make data cables superfluous in the operating room of the future. The project team has developed a prototype for an endoscope that uses light to transmit the images from a laparoscopic procedure in the abdominal cavity.

At Booth 115 in Hall B2 at IFAT Munich 2026, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft will showcase pioneering solutions for a sustainable water and raw materials management industry, ranging from the removal of heavy metals and rare metal recovery to recycling of wind turbines. In line with the motto Water, Energy, Circularity—Green Technology for a Resilient Future, eight Fraunhofer institutes will show how reusable materials can be extracted from wastewater, how key raw materials can be recovered from electronic waste and how linear processes can be turned into closed circles.

Seven key sectors, clear industrial policy priorities, and strategic recommendations for action: the Franco-German AI Dialogue sends a strong signal for sovereign, competitive, and trustworthy artificial intelligence in Europe. At the Franco-German Forum on Industrial AI, held at the French Ministry for the Economy and Finance, the final report was officially handed over to representatives of both governments. It demonstrates how Germany and France aim to jointly advance the development of a high-performing European AI ecosystem—in close collaboration with industry, research, and policymaking.