Funds amounting to approximately 3.9 million Euros are being offered to the Fraunhofer Institutes by the Land.
In a significant move to foster innovation and technological advancement, eight projects have been selected for support through a collaboration between Fraunhofer Institutes and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Baden-Württemberg. These projects, starting from 2025, focus on areas such as hydrogen technologies, AI-supported material data analysis, and digitalization in construction. The funding for these projects will commence in 2025, with an estimated total of approximately 3.9 million euros provided by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism of Baden-Württemberg.
The selected projects underscore the capabilities of research institutions in transferring knowledge to the economy, particularly during periods of technological change. The projects cover a wide range of themes, with the aim of developing new solutions together with companies, testing them in practice, and establishing them sustainably.
The Fraunhofer Society, a key player in modern key technologies, is well represented in Baden-Württemberg. With around 6,100 employees in the region, the Fraunhofer Society in Baden-Württemberg contributes significantly to its annual research volume of approximately 3.4 billion euros. The Society's budget in Baden-Württemberg amounts to around 600 million euros.
The projects were chosen based on their high level of innovation, practical and accessible transfer formats, and broad economic impact, following a competitive funding process. The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism of Baden-Württemberg is committed to strengthening the transfer of knowledge and technology from research to SMEs in the region, with the goal of future-proofing the Innovation Hub Baden-Württemberg.
Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism, emphasized that the aim is for excellent research to lead to tangible progress for SMEs. She also mentioned that the Double Budget 2025/2026 provides the Ministry with special funds for promoting collaborations between the institutes of the Fraunhofer Society and SMEs.
About two-thirds of the Fraunhofer Society's research volume is generated through industrial contracts and publicly funded research projects. The Society operates 76 institutes and research facilities in Germany, with the regions of Stuttgart, Freiburg, and Karlsruhe serving as the local focal points for Fraunhofer institutes in Baden-Württemberg. The further expansion of applied research and the foundation and settlement of new institutes are strategic goals of the state government in innovation policy.
For decades, the Fraunhofer Society has been a central innovation factor for SMEs in Baden-Württemberg. The Society's work is crucial for SMEs in Baden-Württemberg to navigate technological change, as they need excellent partners from research to remain competitive and innovative. The Ministry's support for these projects is a testament to this ongoing partnership and a step towards a more innovative and sustainable future for the region.
