Press / Newsroom

Fraunhofer President Prof. Reimund Neugebauer: “The coalition agreement that has been presented paves the way for Germany to reach technologically-driven and economically-feasible climate neutrality. The new government combines economic, ecological and social goals. This sends important signals for competitiveness, sustainable value creation and technological sovereignty. Artificial intelligence, quantum and hydrogen technologies are key drivers of innovation. Fraunhofer particularly welcomes the commitment to increase Germany’s R&D investment to a GDP share of at least 3.5 percent by 2025. Our 75 Fraunhofer Institutes not only create value locally, but they also generate valuable technological knowledge and expertise for the transfer of ideas to commercial applications. As a reliable partner to industry and society, we look forward to working with the new governing coalition on all current and upcoming challenges.”

With the aid of artificial stem cells, it will soon be possible to establish new treatments for previously incurable diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. At the Fraunhofer Project Center for Stem Cell Process Engineering SPT, a process for the mass production of these so called induced pluripotent stem cells is being developed. This process involves new materials, which ensure that industrial cell production will meet high quality standards. The process will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the MEDICA trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, between November 15 and 18, 2021 (hall 3, stand E74).

Electrochemical energy storage systems and fuel cell technologies hold two of the keys to making a successful transition to alternative sources of energy. Batalyse GmbH, a spin-off of the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT, is using modular software packages to automate capturing, documentation and evaluation processes for battery and fuel cell test data. Material manufacturers, cell developers and R&D departments can use the visualizations of the results as an effective means of targeting developments and improvements in their products.

Resistance to antibiotics is on the rise worldwide. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM alongside the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich have developed a process for rapidly detecting multidrug-resistant pathogens. The unique feature: Even one single molecule of DNA is sufficient for pathogen detection. In future, the platform could be introduced as part of point-of-care diagnostics on hospital wards or in medical practices as an alternative to the established PCR analyses or in combination with other diagnostic methods. The system will be presented at MEDICA 2021.

A defective heart valve is the second most common form of heart disease. Most cases involve a narrowed aortic valve, but often the mitral valve can also be affected. Prostheses significantly increase the life expectancy of those with the disease. While bioprosthetic heart valves have some advantages over mechanical ones, they can become calcified relatively quickly, limiting the length of their useful life. A team of researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS is attempting to prevent such calcification with a new chemical pretreatment of the bioprostheses.

Optimum prevention, diagnosis and treatment in just one click: As part of the “MED²ICIN” lighthouse project, seven Fraunhofer Institutes are presenting the first prototype of a digital patient model. This prototype revolutionizes the very foundation of personalized and cost-optimized treatment, opening up new perspectives. It has already been tested at University Hospital Frankfurt.

Numerous plastic products are made of polyurethanes. Fraunhofer researchers have developed a manufacturing method for polyurethanes that avoids use of toxic isocyanates while making use of carbon dioxide as a starting material. Polyurethanes of a reproducible standard are being developed in collaboration with partners from industry. The research results can be seen from November 15 to 18 at MEDICA 2021 in Düsseldorf (hall 3, stand E74).

Implants can actively support the body, as in the case of pacemakers, neuro-prostheses or cochlear implants. In the future, active implants will be smaller, less energy-intensive and, above all, more patient-friendly. This is why the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT is working on miniaturization, external power supplies and wirelessly networked implants. The latest developments will be presented at COMPAMED/MEDICA in Düsseldorf from November 15 to 18 (Hall 13, Stand D60).

Changing climatic conditions, the shortage of skilled workers, the use of pesticides – a wide range of factors have an impact on the quality and flow of agricultural processes. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich Hertz Institute, HHI are aiming to make this more efficient and sustainable by means of cloud and AI technologies. As part of the “NaLamKI” project, they are working with partners to establish a software-as-a-service platform that collects device and machine data to form a data basis for forecasts and decision-making aids.

In many countries, farmers and gardeners use mulch films to increase their crop yields. The films are often made of polyethylene and can be used to control weed growth, soil temperature and water consumption. Unfortunately the petroleum-based material is not biodegradable. Consequently, the film residues must be collected at the end of the season with considerable effort or they will pollute the fields. As part of the NewHyPe project, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC are working with European partners to develop sustainable, biodegradable mulch papers with a protective hybrid coating.