Research Collaborations and Technology Transfer

The Business Development team at Fraunhofer EMFT supports the transfer of knowledge from research to end users. We track developments in our laboratories, identify marketable approaches, and work with scientists to bring them to the necessary level of market readiness for technology transfer into industrial applications. In doing so, we aim not only to increase the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) but also, through customer discussions and market research, to raise the Market Readiness Level (MRL) of research results in order to secure the market and demand for technology transfer. Our team has experience across various industries and a deep understanding of the challenges and needs of customers and users. We also possess the necessary knowledge and creativity to develop solutions to these problems through our expertise and research collaborations.

Technology Transfer to Industry

Industrial clients can engage in various types of collaborations with Fraunhofer EMFT. A common approach is to commission a feasibility study for a specific problem, which identifies potential solutions and provides an estimate of the effort, time required, and costs involved. Bavarian SMEs, in particular, can often cover the costs of the feasibility study using the Innovation Voucher Bavaria.

Following a promising feasibility study, the proposed solution can be implemented and a prototype created as part of an industrial contract. The industrial client can then develop this prototype to market readiness and prepare it for market entry. Pilot or small-batch production can be carried out in Fraunhofer EMFT’s cleanrooms upon request.

Fraunhofer EMFT has well-equipped laboratories and cleanrooms that industrial customers and partners can use for joint development projects. This gives customers the opportunity to set up and optimize new processes before technology transfer for mass production takes place in a commercial cleanroom.

All of these cases require detailed discussions with customers and Fraunhofer EMFT experts. Our business developers will guide you through these discussions from the initial contact to the signing of the contract. Contact us!

Consortium Formation for Publicly Funded Projects

In addition to technology transfer to industry, the Business Development Team also works on forming consortia for publicly funded projects. Contact us if you are seeking a research partnership for Bavarian, national, European, or international funding projects. We have an overview of various calls for proposals that we can suggest based on your project, so that we can apply for funding together with you as part of a consortium.

International Research Collaborations

Fraunhofer EMFT is an internationally renowned research institute with numerous contacts to international partners in research and industry. We collaborate with organizations in countries such as China, India, South Korea, the UAE, Japan, Switzerland, and many others. We can establish relevant contacts to initiate research collaborations and apply for joint research projects.