Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
We know Techtransfer
#WeknowTechtransfer

#WeKnowTransfer – successful 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, including:

  • Industrial projects and public-private partnerships
  • Use of intellectual property (IP)
  • Continuing education and training for industry
  • Spin-offs and shareholdings
  • Transfer via individuals
  • Standardization

THE FOUNDING SPIRIT FOR CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY

Bringing technological innovations to the economy and society – this is the mission of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. Artificial-intelligence-based tumor detection, self-driving trucks on the highway, and real-time control of production facilities using the 5G mobile communications, such developments would be inconceivable without a properly functioning transfer of research findings into industry applications.

The right founding spirit and entrepreneurial thinking, coupled with scientific excellence, are the most important building blocks here. Only in this way can we adequately meet the key social challenges of today and tomorrow, such as structural transformation, sustainability and climate issues, digitalization and the consequences of demographic developments.

A well-functioning exchange between experts at the interface between science and industry is crucial in order to transfer research knowledge quickly and effectively into new products and services. This can be done through direct research cooperation, through targeted training and further education measures or through promising technology spin-offs.

Innovations are increasingly being developed in an interdisciplinary manner. With world-class, high-tech researchers of an entrepreneurial mindset, Fraunhofer brings successful spin-offs to the markets – more than 480 since 2000 – a true founding spirit for cutting-edge technology. Spin-offs are a key vehicle for the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft to exploit its intellectual property rights. They are an important and, above all, effective bridge between research and business and a direct catalyst for the transfer of innovation.

 

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Fraunhofer Match − a fast solution

Fraunhofer Match is the central platform for placing research requests with Fraunhofer. Our 76 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.

Investments and spin-offs

Fraunhofer Venture

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.

 

High-Performance Centers

High-Performance Centers organize a strategic topic-based collaboration between several public and private research & development partners. Universities, higher education institutions, Fraunhofer Institutes and further non-university research institutions work together with companies and civil society as locally anchored ecosystems to improve economic impact and societal benefits of R&D. High-Performance Centers represent excellent, cross-organizational use of infrastructure, continuing education concepts and know-how. They bring together appropriate partners and guide ideas as innovation guides till market launch.

Continuing education for professionals and managers

Fraunhofer
Academy

The Fraunhofer Academy is the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft's provider for continuing education. 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.

 

Cybersecurity Training Lab

Fraunhofer and a select group of universities have developed a modular concept for cybersecurity training. This collaborative approach enables the latest theoretical or practical research findings to be immediately incorporated into the teaching program. Students will work in modern laboratories equipped with simulation tools allowing real threat scenarios to be tested.

Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD)

The Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD) is the world's leading research group for applications and systems in micro- and nanoelectronics. FMD offers new technologies and cross-technology solutions up to a high level of technical maturity from one source for partners in industry and science.

Further information