News from our members

Sustainability is an aspect that more and more consumers pay close attention to when buying furniture. As part of their research project titled LinumTube, researchers from the Fraunhofer WKI have created modern seating furniture that is easy to disassemble, adapt and transport, and is also highly recyclable.

Polyurethanes (PUR) are found in many products, such as upholstered furniture, foam or insulation materials, flooring, paints and even medical catheter tubes. The production of these high-demand plastics, however, relies on toxic isocyanate. Fraunhofer researchers have now developed an alternative production process using harmless dicarbamate.

The SAMSON project – “Smart automation systems and services for fruit growing on the Lower Elbe” – funded by the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH) and now extended until December 2027, is characterized by the fact that dialogue and professional as well as practical exchange with apple growers from the Altes Land region has been an essential part of the research and development work (R&D work) right from the start.

Functional tissue models are gaining importance in drug development, toxicology, and regenerative medicine. Cryopreservation, however, remains labor-intensive, error-prone, and difficult to scale. The Fraunhofer IWS, together with other Fraunhofer institutes, has developed an automated platform that standardizes vitrification and delivers reproducible results.

Microbial biosurfactants are an alternative to chemically synthesized surfactants in dishwashing detergents, household cleaners, and shower gels. After many years of intensive research and development, the Fraunhofer  IGB now provides samples of high-purity glycolipid biosurfactants – versatile, biodegradable and produced from local renewable raw and residual materials.

Combining expertise and accelerating future-oriented developments – at the beginning of the year, the Fraunhofer IAP in Potsdam Science Park is sharpening its institutional profile through structural and personnel changes, thereby strengthening its strategic orientation in line with growing research and industry requirements.

Periodontitis is widespread and can have serious consequences for overall health. Researchers at Fraunhofer have identified a substance that selectively inhibits only those bacteria that cause periodontitis, thereby preserving the natural balance of the oral microbiome.

Sustainable design made by Fraunhofer

Wind power was the strongest net electricity producer in 2025, followed by photovoltaics, which increased its production by 21 percent and overtook lignite.

The digital die casting twin links information regarding the condition of materials to all sub-processes of die casting and creates a knowledge base for meeting economic, technological, and ecological requirements. To this end, knowledge graphs for various process steps were created and networked at Fraunhofer IWM using ontology-based semantic structures.

With two new high-performance microscopes, the Fraunhofer IMWS in Halle (Saale) is expanding its capabilities for investigating materials down to the atomic level.

The automotive supplier Brose is planning to enter the space and satellite sector. In October, the family-owened company formed strategic partnerships with Fraunhofer EMI, Fraunhofer ISC and the BERLIN SPACE Consortium (BERLIN SPACE).

After a year in orbit, the research satellite ERNST has achieved a significant milestone: The beer crate-sized satellite provides images of rockets during launch. It has gathered crucial data for early missile warning systems.

Efficient use of methane and CO₂ from biogas: Thanks to novel flat membranes, biogas can be processed directly and energy-efficiently – even in small plants.

Under the leadership of Fraunhofer IWU, 28 partners from academia and industry are working to reduce the carbon footprint of electric vehicles by at least 25 percent and significantly increase the share of recycled materials.

Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS officially inaugurated DRYplatform on November 3, 2025, during the Dry Coating Forum.

Heat pumps provide efficient and climate-friendly heating also in existing buildings. This is the conclusion of a research project by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE.

Fall is the peak season for mushroom fans, as the moister conditions and falling temperatures are ideal for promoting the growth of fungi. However, when Dr. Henrik-Alexander Christ and Dr. Steffen Sydow from the Fraunhofer WKI set out in search of fungi, they are not only interested in the fruiting body.

A method developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB enables bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic pathogens in sepsis patients to be identified much faster than before and with the highest precision.

How can the state of Brandenburg benefit from a circular textile industry? This question is addressed in the new policy paper "Closing the loop in the textile industry: Value creation in the state of Brandenburg." Based on the „TexPHB“ feasibility study funded by the Brandenburg Ministry of Climate Protection, it shows how textile waste can be integrated into new value chains.

The project "PV4Rail" examined how the grid of Deutsche Bahn can be utilized for the feed-in of solar power.

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Ernst-Mach-Institut, EMI are working together with partners to develop models that predict fragmentation flight and simulate the underground spread of shock waves.

As the consortium leader of the EU-funded project SpikeHERO, Fraunhofer IIS is setting its sights on fiber optic networks over the next four years.

An innovative chemical process developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP enables the complete recycling of particleboards. In collaboration with the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development HNEE, System 180 GmbH, and PreZero Holz GmbH, the institute has demonstrated that new wood components can be produced without the use of virgin material.

Fraunhofer spin-off matrihealth GmbH, a leading company in the field of elastin isolation for the cosmetics, food, and medical industries, has secured follow-up financing in the seven-figure range.

A minimally Invasive Solution for Quick and Easy Determination of Blood Potassium Levels

In collaboration with French start-up Ki'tech, researchers at the IMM want to revolutionize patient monitoring with a minimally invasive solution that measures biomarkers, including potassium, in the subcutaneous interstitial fluid.

As part of the RUBIO project (Regional Entrepreneurial Alliance for the Development of Value Chains for Technical Bioplastics in Central Germany), around 20 new types of the plastic polybutylene succinate (PBS) have been developed, produced, and processed at pilot scale.

After many years of research, the Mibelle Group, LanzaTech and the Fraunhofer IGB have achieved a breakthrough in sustainable innovation: With the help of modern biotechnology, the partners have developed a CO₂-based ingredient that can replace palm oil in cosmetics and other everyday products.

The Fraunhofer Translation Center for Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT) is taking over epiCS^® technology from Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, ensuring the availability of internationally standardized epidermis models.

Less radiation exposure during diagnosis and treatment for breast and lung cancer: New Fraunhofer method combines X-ray imaging and radar.

Food products containing proteins from plants, fungi or algae are becoming increasingly popular. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Center for Chemical-Biotechnological Processes CBP in Leuna, Germany, have now shown that previously rarely used rapeseed proteins are also a valuable source of protein alternatives.

 In collaboration with project partner German Textile Research Center North-West (DTNW), researchers at the Fraunhofer WKI have developed an environmentally-friendly flame-retardant coating for wood surfaces which are exposed to the elements.

On July 3rd and 4th, 2025, the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) and the Fraunhofer Group for Materials and Components - Materials held a joint workshop at the Fraunhofer ISC in Würzburg.

In collaboration with the Department of Separating and Joining Manufacturing Processes (TFF) at the University of Kassel, researchers at the Fraunhofer WKI have therefore developed a realistic rapid-aging procedure that can be used, in particular, by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The German Navy and the Fraunhofer EMI have signed a cooperation agreement. The aim of the partnership is to foster close scientific and technical exchange and, if applicable, to initiate joint research and development activities.

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP are developing electrocaloric materials and processing them into functional components.

Europe's largest vanadium redox flow battery – located at the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology - has achieved an important research milestone.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems IWES has put an innovative wind radar system into operation that enables three-dimensional wind field measurements at unprecedented distances and resolution.

Unlike existing methods of analysis, the ultrasound-based AloX measuring system from the Fraunhofer Institute for Nondestructive Testing IZFP can detect existing inclusions not only reliably but also quickly and at low cost.

Faunhofer IIS in Erlangen has now developed JPEG XS, a state-of-the-art and forward-looking image compression format that transfers high-quality images with minimal latency, low resource use and almost lossless image quality. For this innovative project, the researchers were presented with the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for 2025 at the Fraunhofer annual assembly.

thyssenkrupp nucera and Fraunhofer IKTS open First SOEC Pilot Production Plant for Stacks for the Production of Green Hydrogen.

The use of photovoltaic modules in urban areas often results in partial shading, which leads to considerable energy losses and a higher thermal load over the course of the module's service life. In the "SegmentPV" project, Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP and AESOLAR are developing a segmented and patented photovoltaic module that specifically addresses the challenges of partial shading and thus promises greater energy yield and reliability.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS presents the FH6D04, an intelligent Hall sensor that enables position, angle and current measurements with just one chip. Developed for demanding systems, it combines sensor technology, analog signal processing and algorithmic intelligence.

Users of poly- and perfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals", are under pressure due to regulatory proposals from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This also affects the use of fluoroelastomers, whose economic significance is enormous. Fraunhofer experts initiated the "HATE-FLUOR" project at the beginning of February.

The development of high-quality, halogen-free flame retardants (hffr) for recycled plastics to meet increasing recycling quotas is a major challenge. The Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF is looking for partners for the new project "hffr-Up2Cycle".

These innovative solutions should largely dispense with biocides and still withstand the challenges of maritime use.

 As part of the TRANTOR project funded by the European Commission, Fraunhofer IIS has now researched a splitting method that allows satellites of different classes to be integrated into the 5G network despite that shortcoming.

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM are using innovative technologies to focus on battery behavior during charging and discharging, the optimization of battery production and the aging of batteries. They use modern simulation tools and innovative measurement techniques to drive forward the further development of battery cells for electric cars.

In an effort to improve both the cost efficiency and quality of hydrogen-powered vehicle production, a consortium of Fraunhofer Institutes is developing innovative manufacturing techniques for fuel cells as part of the “H2GO” project.

Silicon carbide (SiC) provides considerable technical advantages for power electronics — however, the costs are still a drawback. In the »ThinSiCPower« research project, a consortium of Fraunhofer Institutes is developing key technologies to reduce material losses and device thickness while increasing the thermomechanical stability of the assembled SiC chips.

Researchers at the Fraunhofer IAP have developed a foil that changes into polyurethane foam (PU foam) when heated – entirely without health risks. The foil allows for isocyanate-free foaming, thus improving workplace safety. Additionally, it offers logistics advantages for storage and transportation.

The project "Sodium-Ion-Battery Deutschland-Forschung - SIB:DE FORSCHUNG", funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), aims to evaluate the suitability of sodium-ion battery technology (SIB) for the European energy and mobility transition to speed up industrial implementation.

To promote the sustainability of electromobility and enhance resource efficiency, upcycling of lithium-ion batteries is gaining increasing importance. Efforts are focused on slowing down material cycles by repurposing used batteries from electric vehicles for new applications instead of transferring them directly to recycling processes.

Earth observation satellites collect large amounts of data, while transmission capacities to earth are limited. Special computers, known as Data Processing Units (DPUs), store, analyze and compress this data directly on board of the satellite - efficiently and reliably.

Demonstration of an automation-compatible thermoplastic construction method for aircraft fuselages receives award in Paris

Thanks to a new analysis method, waste wood from construction and demolition work could be reused for load-bearing timber-construction elements in the future.  

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP are developing and testing bio-based adhesives for the industrial production of folding boxes in the project Sustainable Gluing With Renewable Adhesives (SUGRA).

The corona pandemic has shown just how important it is to protect people in indoor areas against infection through airborne pathogens. Mobile air purifiers can, in principle, contribute to this. Until now, there has been no uniform method for testing their effectiveness. Researchers at the Fraunhofer WKI have therefore developed a standardised testing method.

Hardly any other chemical substance can compete with PFAS, due to their unique properties. That explains why it is so hard to find a replacement for these toxic “forever chemicals”, which accumulate in the environment and do not break down over time.

There is fresh momentum in our protein supply — and it’s moving along on six legs. Insects are a source of protein with a smaller resource footprint than conventional alternatives in every possible way. To ensure the safety of insect farms and their products, Fraunhofer researchers have developed a system that reliably detects pathogens right away, at low cost and with the possibil-ity of automation.

The EU project “DiGreeS” aims to make steel production “greener”, more digital, and more economical.

Making harvesting robots, submarine grippers, and autonomous rovers on distant planets more universally applicable and autonomous in the future – researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS in Dresden work on enabling them to “feel”.

The Fraunhofer ISE has been conducting research along the entire battery value chain for many years. Now with today’s inauguration of the Center for Electrical Energy Storage, the institute has access to state-of-the-art laboratories which enable cutting-edge international research.

At the annual conference of the German Renewable Energy Research Association on October 8 and 9, scientists will show how the energy transition can be accelerated on a technical, political and social level. Under the motto "Accelerating the energy transition with research", they will present the current state of research. (German only)

After a year of construction, the new development and test environment for offshore drones was officially opened with numerous guests from business, politics, and science.

How this works, experts from Fraunhofer IZFP will be demonstrating by means of a wheel rim inspection from 24 to 27 September 2024 at the 14th InnoTrans in Berlin (Messe Berlin, ExpoCenter City, Hall 23, Stand 240).

Fungi have more to offer than meets the eye. Their thread-like cells, which grow extensively and out of sight underground like a network of roots, offer huge potential for producing sustainable, biodegradable materials.

Sporting activities promote our health but can lead to injuries of the musculoskeletal system if not performed correctly. This often affects the cartilage in the joints. Untreated cartilage defects can lead to osteoarthritis at older age, for which there is currently no effective treatment.

The architecture and chemistry of the bark of the Canary pine effectively protect the trees from forest fires. Taking nature as a model, researchers at the Fraunhofer WKI, in collaboration with partners, have developed bio-based coatings for wooden components for interior and exterior use.

Due to crises such as the coronavirus pandemic or suspended trade agreements, supply bottlenecks occur time and again. Raw materials such as nickel, magnesium and rare earths, which industry needs to manufacture a wide range of products, are not always available — often for long periods of time. This is where a new Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft flagship project comes in.

The new UltraPLAS coating developed by Fraunhofer researchers has proven to be a ground-breaking solution to the challenges of primary forming processes. This advanced release and easy-to-clean coating is applied as a gradient layer using a cold plasma process and is suitable for materials such as tool steel, stainless steel and aluminum.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT congratulates the Dutch company Aerospace Propulsion Products (APP), as part of the Ariane Group, on the successful first launch of the Ariane 6 rocket on the evening of July 9th, 2024 from the European Spaceport in French Guiana.

Continuity and expansion of Fraunhofer activities in Saxony-Anhalt: On January 1, 2025, the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS will integrate the Center for Economics and Management of Technologies CEM in Halle (Saale).

One promising approach to save raw materials is to move from the low to the medium-voltage level in renewable energy power plants. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE sees a huge potential for savings with higher system voltages, especially in large PV power plants.

Invasive infections such as sepsis require immediate and targeted treatment. Experts from the Fraunhofer IGB and group partners have succeeded in establishing a reconceptualized detection principle that can make a crucial contribution to saving lives through fast, ultra-accurate pathogen identification. They have been chosen to receive the 2024 Stifterverband Science Prize for their efforts.

A team from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP has now developed a flexible and recyclable plastic film material based on polylactide (PLA) bioplastic and paved the way for its commercialization. Their efforts have earned the researchers the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for 2024.

Teams of experts at the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF are working intensively on EU regulations and the need for halogen free flame retardancy in specific applications.

Fraunhofer IMM is contributing to the precise lipid nanoparticle formulation using its knowledge of rapid mixing technology.

Together with chemical company Covestro Deutschland AG, Fraunhofer researchers have now developed a method that makes it possible to reclaim the substances originally used to make the polycarbonates.

Finding solutions to potential resource bottlenecks requires sustainable material design. New material compositions enable more environmentally friendly ship propulsion systems, more economical aircraft engines or even lighter electric vehicles.

Milestones for the clean and sustainable aviation of tomorrow: Clean Sky 2/Clean Aviation project "MFFD" shows potential of around 10 percent weight reduction and 10 percent cost savings in high-rate production.

The 5th Lightweighting Summit (geschaeftsstelle-leichtbau.de) of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Action (BMWK) will open on April 23, 2024 at 2:00 pm and will be dedicated to the topic of transformation technologies for the resource transition with several top-class keynotes, a diverse panel discussion and a subsequent pitch format of innovative research projects.

at 2:15 pm Keynote I: Resources transition: lightweighting as a factor for competitiveness Professor Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Transport and trade on the ocean blue must be made much greener. This is the goal of the new €17 million European GAMMA project, where companies and researchers from Europe will develop and convert a bulk carrier to sail on climate-neutral fuels and green power.

Several Fraunhofer Institutes and the Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus-Senftenberg, under the leadership of Rolls-Royce Germany and other partners such as the research institution ACCESS, are collaborating on the future of hybrid electric flying.