The Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) stands as a pioneering institution at the intersection of cutting-edge research and technology transfer. Within this dynamic environment, the institute's successful spin-off history emerges as a hallmark of its commitment to fostering innovation and bridging the gap between scientific research and practical applications.

Leveraging its expertise across technological branches, Fraunhofer HHI has strategically incubated spin-off ventures that have not only flourished commercially but have also made substantial contributions to the scientific community. This incubation success underscores Fraunhofer HHI's ability to identify and boost promising ideas, providing a conducive ecosystem for translating research outcomes into viable business endeavors. As a testament to its effectiveness, the spin-offs emanating from Fraunhofer HHI encapsulate a diverse range of technological solutions, exemplifying the Institute's versatility and impact.

In this scientific landscape, Fraunhofer HHI's spin-off incubation serves as a model for the seamless integration of research excellence and entrepreneurial acumen, propelling the Institute to the forefront of innovation-driven business approaches.

Battery Testing

Located in Goslar near the Fraunhofer HHI site, VoltaLabs is a service provider for a wide range of tests and inspections on lithium-ion batteries. Founded in 2021, the Fraunhofer HHI spin-off provides various options for testing the safety of cells, modules and battery systems, offering standardized tests as well as safety tests. Its spectrum ranges from batteries from the e-scooter sector to stationary storage systems, EV storage systems and truck and bus storage systems with more than 150 kWh.

Visit the website for more information.

Fiberoptic Sensing

Incubated in 2017 as part of the Lower Saxony Photonics Incubator, FiSens develops, manufactures, and markets accurate fiberoptic sensor solutions. The company’s technology is based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor arrays and fiber-integrated spectrometers. Its optical fibers offer high sensing multiplexing capability on the smallest possible footprint, while maintaining mechanical and signal integrity even in harsh environments. In 2020, FiSens reached its break even and could already sell one million FBGs by 2022.

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Simulation Software

Founded in 2007 as a Fraunhofer HHI spin-off, COGO Optronics stressed the research, development, industrial production and distribution of fiber optic technology and electronic components. As a developer of key technologies for the next generation of optical networks, the company offered advanced optoelectronics component solutions for high-speed optical networks and single MZ and IQ modulators. Acquired by TeraXion in 2013.

100 Gbit/s+ Detectors

u2t photonics was founded in 1998 as a spin-off company of the Fraunhofer HHI. Growing into an SME with approx. 160 employees, its market orientation focused on addressing the ultra high-speed photonic components for optical communication systems. u2t’s core competence was the development of ultrafast optoelectronic components for fiber-optic applications such as communication super highways and microwave photonic systems, which require operation frequencies of 40 GHz and beyond. Acquired by Finisar in 2013, now part of Coherent.

Simulation Software

ArStarted as the network simulation group at the Fraunhofer HHI in the 1990s, VPIphotonics today integrates efficient simulation techniques and professional design functions for integrated photonic devices, components, optical transmission systems and network applications. This enables interoperability with third party simulation, design and programming software, and test & measurement equipment. VPIphotonics seeks industry-leading solutions to chart new frontiers via forward-looking industrial and research collaborations.

Find more information on the website.