As the Fraunhofer Future Foundation, we are statutorily only allowed to support research projects within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. We are not permitted to support other research projects, including those from universities, colleges, or other research institutions.
For the "Zukunftsplatz" funding line, we are seeking projects with a high technological maturity, valuable intellectual property (IP), and the potential to make a discernible impact on society and the economy in the near future. Our funding program aims to primarily create societal value, while also contributing to the long-term sustainability of the Fraunhofer Future Foundation through financial returns from licensing and spin-off revenues. Furthermore, the project portfolio should provide an attractive foundation for the Fraunhofer Future Foundation's fundraising activities and inspire donors and benefactors.
"Zukunftsstart" is aimed at Fraunhofer teams looking to commercialize sustainability-oriented technologies through spin-offs or licensing. We are seeking researchers and projects that want to implement a socially relevant business idea based on Fraunhofer technology. For example, we have supported the SDG track of the AHEAD program. AHEAD supports Fraunhofer intrapreneurs in founding their startups or licensing their products. The program accompanies teams and projects on their journey to the final mile and the successful commercialization of their ideas.
With the "Zukunftswettbewerb" funding line, we aim to enable Fraunhofer employees to participate in external competitions. We may also announce our own competitions (potentially with external partner organizations). To qualify for funding, competitions must contribute to sustainable development in line with the SDGs and focus heavily on practical applications. Additionally, participation must align with nonprofit purposes. Fraunhofer IP rights must not be transferred.
With the funding program "Rebuilding Ukraine – resilient and sustainable," we enable research collaborations aimed at preparing for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Research teams are given the freedom to partner with companies and organizations from both Germany and Ukraine to make destroyed areas habitable again and to rebuild infrastructure. The use of Fraunhofer technologies is intended to enable efficient, resource-efficient, and safe removal of war damages, while also opening up new perspectives for reconstruction – particularly in the fields of energy, construction, digitalization, health, food, and education.
Fraunhofer Future Foundation