Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, based in Germany, is the world's leading organization for application-oriented research. With its focus on future-relevant key technologies as well as on the utilization of the results in business and industry, it plays a central role in the innovation process. As a guide and source of inspiration for innovative developments and scientific excellence, it contributes to shaping our society and our future. The organization, founded in 1949, currently operates 75 institutes and research facilities in Germany. Around 29,000 employees, the majority of whom are qualified scientists or engineers, work on an annual research budget of 2.8 billion euros. Of this, 2.3 billion euros fall into the field of contract research.