For Fraunhofer institutes

Who can apply and be funded?

Pursuant to its statutes, the Fraunhofer Future Foundation can only fund research projects conducted by the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. We are not permitted to support other projects, even those from universities or other research institutions.

For our »Technology Transfer for Global Challenges« funding program, we are looking for projects with a high technology readiness level, valuable IP (intellectual property) and the potential to generate near-term impact in society and industry. 

We can fund projects with up to €600,00 for a duration of up to 18 months.

In selecting applications for the »Technology Transfer for Global Challenges« funding program, we value projects that are likely to: 

Successfully transfer technology 

We are looking for innovations with a high technology readiness level (at least TRL 6 at the start of the funding period) that are only a few milestones away from licensing or a spin-off. This is to support project teams in the decisive market-entry phase through collaborations with implementation partners from industry, society, the research sector or government.

Generate revenue 

We are looking for teams whose projects offer promising prospects for commercial exploitation, particularly through licensing revenue and sale or equity proceeds. These projects should also address socially relevant topics to increase their attractiveness for private research funding.

Develop solutions for global challenges 

We are looking for teams whose ideas for products, services and business models contribute to solving global challenges while addressing at least one of the 169 targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Fraunhofer institutes

Applications can be submitted through the Fraunhofer Future Foundation’s program management. The deadline for applications is April 30, 2026. Feel free to contact Andreas Dockhorn if you have any questions. Further information will be published on the Fraunhofer intranet [only internally accessible].

• Two expert panels will review the strategic aspects of »potential for technology transfer« and »social impact«.
• A program jury will make the overall evaluation and funding decision.

We will share the binding funding decision immediately after the jury’s verdict.