Fraunhofer Institute breaks ground on new research center in Cottbus

The Fraunhofer Institute has commenced construction on new research facilities at the Lausitz Science Park in Cottbus, Germany. Two new innovation centers are being established, focusing on the energy transition, microelectronics, and AI-driven material diagnostics.

This initiative is a key component of the structural change in the Lusatia region, aiming to create new employment opportunities and accelerate the transfer of research findings into industrial applications. The new facilities are expected to be completed by 2030.

Fraunhofer IEG (Institute for Energy Infrastructures and Geotechnologies), Fraunhofer IPMS (Institute for Photonic Microsystems), and Fraunhofer IKTS (Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems) will be housed in the new buildings. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Leibniz Association are also partners in the joint campus.

Researchers at Fraunhofer IEG will focus on sustainable energy systems, including the electrification of industrial heating technologies at scale, research into large-scale heat pumps and energy storage, and grid-integrated operations. The region's strategic location and collaboration with other research institutions will bolster its development as a hub for energy technology and industrial transformation.