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:

                     

                     

                     

                    

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

Central contact point for your inquiries

As the central point of contact for your project inquiries we are at your disposal for questions, suggestions and requests.

Contact Press / Media

Public sector

The German Mittelstand and SMEs

Large companies

 

Fraunhofer Match − a fast solution

Fraunhofer Match is the central platform for placing research requests with Fraunhofer. Our 74 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.

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.

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.

Impact of Fraunhofer Research

Applied research at the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft powers the innovative capability of companies and promotes Germany’s status as a place for doing business. Various studies show that the different contributions made by Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft demonstrably increase the business success of cooperating companies and help to strengthen Germany’s standing as a preferred business location that fosters innovation. Quantifiable contributions have an impact on various areas.

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.

Fraunhofer Venture – Investments and spin-offs

Fraunhofer Venture is responsible for spin-off and investment management for Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft e. V. − Europe's largest institute for applied research. The range of services includes support and consulting services from the initial idea phase to company launch, helping company's find funding and structure a possible exit as well as support programs and other offers.

 

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
1/2026

Cover story: Energy? Of course | and much more 

Contact persons for technical topics

Defence and Security


Caroline Schweitzer

Executive Secretary Fraunhofer Segment  for Defense and Security VVS

Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB
Gutleuthausstraße 1
76275 Ettlingen, Germany
Phone +49 7243 992-361
 

 

Energy Technologies and Climate Protection


 

 

Central office Fraunhofer Group for Energy Technologies and Climate Protection
EUREF-Campus 23-24
10829 Berlin

Send E-Mail

Health Research

Medicine, pharmacy, medical technology and biotechnology

 

 

Dr. Otto Quintus Russe

Head of central office Fraunhofer Group for Health Research

Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP
Theodor Stern Kai 7/Haus 75
60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Phone +49 69 6301 84900

Send E-Mail

www.itmp.fraunhofer.de

Information and Communication Technology

Alexander Nouak


Managing Director Fraunhofer ICT Group

Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2
10178 Berlin, Germany
Phone +49 30 7261-5660
Fax +49 30 7261-56619

 

 

Innovation Research

 

Dr.-Ing. Sven Schimpf


Managing Director of the Fraunhofer Group for Innovation Research
Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO
Nobelstr. 12
70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Phone +49 711 970-2457
Fax +49 711 970-2299

 

Light & Surfaces

 

Dr. Heinrich Stülpnagel

Managing Director Fraunhofer Group for Light & Surfaces

Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM
Georges-Köhler-Allee 301
79110 Freiburg, Germany
Phone +49 761 8857-269
 

 

 

Materials and Components

 

Dr. phil. nat. Ursula Eul

Central Office
Fraunhofer Group for Materials and Components – Materials

Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF
Bartningstraße 47
64289 Darmstadt, Germany
Phone +49 6151 705-262

 

 

 

Microelectronics

 

Dr. Stephan Guttowski


Head of central office 
Fraunhofer Group for Microelectronics

Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Straße 2
10178 Berlin, Germany
Phone +49 172 81 66 781


 

 

Production

 

Niels Schmidtke

Business Office
Fraunhofer Group for Production
Fraunhofer-Institut für Fabrikbetrieb und -automatisierung IFF
Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Str. 1
39106 Magdeburg
Phone +49 391 4090-568

 

 

Resource Technologies and Bioeconomy

Technologies for efficient and sustainable application of resources,  Bioeconomy, Circular economy

 

 

Dr.-Ing. Hartmut Pflaum

Head of central office Fraunhofer Group for Resource Technologies and Bioeconomy

Fraunhofer-Institut für Umwelt-, Sicherheits- und Energietechnik UMSICHT
Osterfelder Straße 3
46047 Oberhausen
Phone +49 208 8598-1171

Send E-Mail

www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de

Events and trade shows

  • 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.

    more info
  • 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.

    more info
  • 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!

    more info