Collaboration

Do you find our research topics exciting and want to know how you can collaborate with Fraunhofer IKS? Then these pages are the right place for you. Here we outline various cooperation opportunities and address frequently asked questions. Of course we are also certified according to ISO 9001:2015.

The quickest way: Simply contact us.

On many pages you will find your contact persons in the right-hand column. Give them a call, send them an e-mail or contact them on LinkedIn. Or simply fill out our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible: Directly to the contact form

Collaborate with Fraunhofer IKS: From initial meeting to contract

At Fraunhofer IKS, our researchers offer software engineering services for safety-critical applications across various sectors, including mobility, automation, health, and quantum computing. We collaborate with a diverse range of partners, including private sector companies, public funding bodies and scientific institutions. Explore the various ways you can work with us!

Individual orders

If your company needs research or development support, we are here to help. After an initial free consultation phase, we conduct a joint workshop to define the scope of the planned research and development (R&D) work. Whether you're facing a technological challenge or looking to enhance your product or service, we will develop a tailored solution, implement it together with you and advise you as an independent partner.

Individual orders with public funding

In some cases, your collaboration may qualify for support through suitable funding projects. For instance, the Digitalbonus Bayern initiative is designed for small companies in Bavaria. Contact us to explore how we can assist you as a research partner within a funding project.

Collaborative project within third-party funded research

Does your scientific institution or company require additional expertise for a research project? We collaborate with universities, colleges, research institutes and companies as part of publicly or privately funded projects, providing access to the latest scientific findings.

Fraunhofer IKS solutions

Fraunhofer IKS focuses on four main topics:

  • Industrial Automation
  • Trustworthy Digital Health
  • Mobility
  • Quantum Computing

Explore our solutions in these domains in our service overview.

From prototyping to training:
Collaboration opportunities with Fraunhofer IKS

We work closely with you to define the specifics of our collaboration, ensuring that our efforts align with your expectations. Here are the various forms of cooperation we offer:

Joint innovation teams

Our Industry Labs provide dedicated spaces where your employees can collaborate with our researchers to solve problems. Gain access to state-of-the-art platforms, simulation environments, and software tools.

Rapid Virtual Prototyping

Do you need software for a rapid market launch to overcome previously unsolved challenges? We take over the software engineering based on specific simulation environments and develop fully functional systems if required. You retain ownership of the products and prototypes developed in the joint project.  

Studies and potential analyses

Curious about the technological potential of AI in your organization? Do you have a specific problem that cannot yet be solved? We provide you with a scientifically elaborated answer and specialist studies from a neutral perspective. Data and knowledge are always treated as strictly confidential. The independence of Fraunhofer makes it particularly easy to exploit synergies between different sectors.

Training courses

Looking to enhance the skills of your team? We offer practical training courses, workshops and presentations tailored to your specific needs. Our individualized employee training and further education options are valuable even after project completion.

You can also find some workshops here: To the workshop overview

FAQ: What else you should know

  • The Fraunhofer Institutes undertake research of direct utility to private and public enterprise. The aim of this applied research is to use science and technology to create innovative products and applications.

    Fraunhofer delivers what the economy needs: innovation, which is one of the most important factors in achieving commercial success. To maintain an edge in a competitive global market you need to understand your customers’ needs, deploy the very latest technologies and respond quickly to market developments.

    The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft now consists of over 70 institutes and more than 30,000 employees.

    If you would like to find out more about the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, continue reading on the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft website: https://www.fraunhofer.de/en/quick-links/companies/what-does-Fraunhofer-do.html

  • As one of over 70 Fraunhofer Institutes, Fraunhofer IKS offers industry-oriented research at the highest level. We help you to advance the innovation process in your company.

    We offer you:

    • Innovative developments and scientific excellence to drive your projects forward.
    • Product, technology and manufacturer neutrality for objective and flexible collaboration.
    • An independent partnership based on trust and reliability.
    • Access to the “Fraunhofer Hub”, where more than 25,000 experts in over 70 institutes conduct interdisciplinary research into cutting-edge technologies.
    • A customized partnership tailored to your specific needs.
    • Comprehensive structural and scientific resources to achieve the best results for your projects.
  • Companies often reach out to us directly or we connect at events and trade fairs. You can also use our contact form at the bottom of this page: To the contact form

    In an initial, free and non-binding consultation, we will discuss your challenges, common goals and potential collaboration opportunities, including the timeframe and financial framework. We will then prepare an offer for you. Once the contract has been signed, the research and development work begins.

  • Absolutely! Collaborating with Fraunhofer IKS offers numerous benefits:

    1. Access to expertise: You benefit from the specialist knowledge and innovative approaches of Fraunhofer IKS, which may be lacking in your organization.
    2. Resource sharing: Sharing resources, technologies and infrastructures reduces costs and accelerates development processes.
    3. Access to funding: Joint projects can often obtain public funding more easily.
    4. Increased competitiveness: Innovative solutions and new technologies can strengthen your market position.
    5. Knowledge transfer: The exchange of knowledge and technologies leads to continuous improvement and adaptation to new challenges.
  • Whether you need a one-day workshop or a multi-year project, we customize our services to fit your needs. Talk to us directly. It has also proved successful to test the collaboration in a small introductory project and then start a longer-term cooperation.

  • Typically, you will own the products and prototypes developed in joint projects. However, further development and use of Fraunhofer IKS’s own know-how remain possible. Each customer benefits from the wealth of knowledge gained from previous collaborations. Additional rights (exclusive, application-related, non-exclusive/exclusive) can be agreed upon in corresponding contracts.

  • Fraunhofer IKS will only use your name for its own PR work with your explicit consent. Otherwise, the project may only be reported on in such a way that you are not recognizable as the client. We can also establish stricter confidentiality agreements if needed.

We are ISO 9001 certified

Dekra logo for ISO 9001 certification

Fraunhofer IKS has been certified according to ISO 9001:2015 since 2025. This standard defines important standards for both organizational structures and processes. We guarantee consistent procedures through precise work and procedural instructions. With the seal, we show that we are regularly audited and meet the requirements of the standard.

Arrange a consultation now

Do you have any further questions or are you interested in a free, no-obligation consultation? Then fill out the contact form below. We will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

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