Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has a global network of successful research and technology centres that provide applied research and development services to each country's industrial base, developing new products and processes.
The first UK Fraunhofer research centre, the Centre for Applied Photonics (Fraunhofer CAP) was set up at the University of Strathclyde in 2012 and is actively engaged in a wide range of collaborative and contract projects with UK and global companies. They offer applied research and development services to industry, directly contributing to the UK economy and adding their expertise to the Glasgow City Innovation District with collaboration and financial support from Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Scottish Government, Scottish Funding Council, Scottish Enterprise and the University of Strathclyde.
The cluster of innovation intensive companies and organisations in GCID makes it the perfect location from Fraunhofer UK and Fraunhofer centre for Applied Photonics. The TIC conference and events space in particular is a place we regular meet and work with many customers and collaborators. Increasingly visitors are making plans to become residents.
Simon Andrews, Executive Director, Fraunhofer UK
The Fraunhofer Centre is based within the Technology and Innovation Centre in the Innovation District and builds on the strong photonics and quantum technology clusters that operate here. They are a world-leading centre for laser research and currently develop systems for industry, including energy, security, environment, sensing, space, life sciences and quantum technologies. Since opening in 2012 Fraunhofer CAP has worked on over 150 projects with diverse companies, other Research and Technology Organisations and universities including the University of Strathclyde.
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft’s president Professor Reimund Neugebauer was awarded the University of Strathclyde medal in recognition of his personal achievements and commitment to science, innovation and international collaboration.
As a not-for-profit Research and Technology organisation, any financial surplus is re-invested in the UK. As well as their research and development services Fraunhofer also train a large number of doctoral students every year in partnership with the University of Strathclyde. They have significantly contributed to the way Glasgow City Innovation District is transforming academia, business, and industry by bringing together researchers and high-growth firms with technology and creative start-ups, to work together in a highly innovative community.