Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

In 2020, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft was able to maintain and consolidate its position as the leading organization for applied research. The total business volume remained stable at 2.8 billion euros. Of this sum, 2.4 billion euros were generated through contract research. The scientists filed over 600 patent applications and more than 20 companies were established as Fraunhofer spin-offs. Around 29,000 employees at 75 Fraunhofer Institutes and research units, whose dedication, expertise and outstanding research create benefits for society and strengthen the German and European economies, are the key to this success.

The evolution of microchips seemed to have reached its limits, as far as their size is concerned. Nevertheless, it is crucial that these small components become even smaller and more powerful so that many devices — including smartphones — can be developed even further. The Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology ISIT in Itzehoe and IMS Nanofabrication GmbH have now succeeded in pushing the existing boundaries when it comes to MEMS processing of a microsystem switching element which is at the core of an electron beam mask writer — a crucial piece of equipment in the production of the latest generation of microchips. Their efforts have earned them the 2021 Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize.

Redox flow batteries are perfect for storing large quantities of renewable energy, but they have always been too expensive for the mass market. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT have now completely redesigned the heart of a redox flow battery — the stack — and have brought about a massive reduction in material usage and costs. Their efforts have earned them the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize.

The networking of objects in the Internet of Things — or IoT for short — is becoming increasingly important, and demand for connected IoT devices is growing rapidly everywhere, from consumers to Industry 4.0. But until now, no suitable and reliable method of communication has been available for transferring many thousands of data packages at the same time. A team of researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS in Erlangen/Nuernberg has now overcome this challenge with the newly developed, ready-for-market mioty® wireless low-power wide-area transmission system — and has been awarded the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for its efforts.