COLAB – The Accelerator for Successful Deep-Tech Collaborations

We bring deep-tech start-ups and Fraunhofer research together.

Through our technology matching service, we identify suitable Fraunhofer technologies and the right scientific partners to address your challenges. Together, we turn ideas into concrete technology transfer projects. Matching and supporting collaborations are among COLAB’s core tasks.

Do you have a product vision but still lack the right technology? At Fraunhofer, new innovations emerge every day across 74 institutes. COLAB helps you find the right technologies and experts for your project. This allows you to shorten development times, reduce risks, and bring innovative products to market faster.

Here’s how it works

1. You describe your technological challenge

    Whether it’s a process, material, software, sensor technology, or hardware component: We analyze your specific needs.

2. We find the right Fraunhofer partners

    We identify suitable technologies, researchers, and institutes from the Fraunhofer network.

3. We bring the right partners together

    Through joint discussions, we explore the potential for collaboration and develop approaches for technology transfer.

4. We support the collaboration

    From the initial contact, through funding opportunities, to implementation, we support you every step of the way.

Are you already collaborating with a Fraunhofer Institute or planning a joint innovation project? COLAB supports you in further developing your collaboration and shaping the next steps toward a successful technology transfer.

Through customized workshops and one-on-one meetings, we guide you from the initial stages of the project through the structuring of the collaboration to preparation for advanced transfer programs such as AHEAD.

✅ Customized support for your Fraunhofer-start-up collaboration

✅ Assistance in developing a joint technology transfer project

✅ Support in implementing and further developing the technology transfer

If you’re already collaborating with Fraunhofer, please contact the COLAB team directly.

Particularly promising collaborations may qualify for the Fraunhofer AHEAD program. COLAB supports Fraunhofer start-up collaborations from the initial matching process through the joint development of the collaboration and the application for AHEAD, all the way to implementation during the AHEAD program.

Applications for the Fraunhofer AHEAD program are accepted following a matching and preparatory meeting with the COLAB team.