Cooperation models – ways of working together

Some challenges are so complex that they require multiple partners to develop a solution. In this case, it is possible to incorporate other Fraunhofer Institutes and external partners such as universities or additional companies from our partners network.  

Funding possibilities

We know how to check what government funding is available: With many years of experience in applying for funding from the European Union, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) or other grant donors we support our customers in finding suitbable research and development funding programs.

Project coordination

Our scientists and engineers are experienced in the coordination of complex joint projects and of strategic lighthouse projects. This means that we can also assume administrative and coordinative tasks and ensure accurate communication between the joint project partners.

Fraunhofer is determined to foster promising new technologies. Pre-competitive research which starts off without any ties to specific development contracts often results in long-term partnerships with companies. The Fraunhofer Center for Chemical-Biotechnological Processes CBP in Leuna is an example for this. By providing infrastructure and technical facilities it enables partners from research and industry to develop and scale up processes for the utilization of raw materials to production-relevant dimensions.

Fraunhofer IGB carries out contract research for companies, but it also carries out its own independent research in some areas, often with interesting results. This pre-competitive research gives rise to inventions that can be commercially exploited by companies under license.

• Licensing of technologies
• Licensing of processes

Please contact us to discuss your requirements!

As an active participant in numerous international networks Fraunhofer IGB is internationally active in the EU and beyond. With the aim of expanding our scientific excellence and economic value, we have strategic contacts with Brazil, USA, Israel, China, and Australia.

At Fraunhofer IGB, internationalization is led by creative people who collaborate with others to contribute to sustainable development based on excellent research. This is also reflected in the high number of international emloyees at the institute. Many Fraunhofer IGB staff have international experience and sophisticated cultural and language skills, and they are personally familiar with global markets.

Market analysis, feasibility studies and technology consulting

We advise you on technological issues and offer customized studies, even in the run-up to a research collaboration, to better assess the potential or fields of application of a new development:

• Market surveys and technology analyses
  
• Feasibility studies
• Economic and sustainability considerations

For large-scale projects, we are also happy to assist in the search for public funding (federal, state, EU) and work with you to submit a project application to the funding agency.

Improving and developing processes and products

Innovation often means improving an existing product, whether in terms of functionality, performance, or cost-effectiveness. This is where Fraunhofer IGB comes in: Optimizing existing processes and developing new ones is part of our core business. Whether a process needs to be made more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, sustainable, or resource-efficient. Our researchers hit on the right ideas – and they know how to transform them into products and processes.

Process and product development – up to pilot scale or prototype

Sometimes a detailed solution is not enough. We develop processes and plants together with the customer through laboratory and technical up to pilot scale and demonstrate prototypes and processes on your premises. In doing so, we also develop new design solutions or modifications in order to develop technical solutions that are economically and safety-wise acceptable. In this way, we develop equipment and plants for newly developed processes using the principles of methodical product development. This enables us to ensure functionality, optimize customer benefits, shorten development times, and reduce manufacturing costs. You also benefit from our expertise in the digitalization of process engineering plants – for the cost-efficient optimization of your process control.

Implementing new technologies

Fraunhofer is at the forefront of technological developments. Not least in cooperation with the affiliated university institute, we research and further develop the latest technologies. We support you in implementing new technologies and help you to successfully realize your applications.