The Fraunhofer Institute in Hermsdorf was founded in 1992 as an independent, business-oriented research institution at the Tridelta Campus. After 18 years of successful development, it became part of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in 2010 by merging with the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS) in Dresden.
Research and technology service provider
As a research and technology service provider with 150 employees, Fraunhofer IKTS Hermsdorf develops high-performance materials, industrially relevant manufacturing processes, and prototype components and systems in complete production lines up to pilot scale. In addition, we have extensive expertise in materials diagnostics and component testing. We see ourselves primarily as a partner for ceramics companies and companies that need or want to use ceramic components and systems. In doing so, we react flexibly to customer requests and assemble the necessary competencies in project teams.
Development focus
In recent years, four strategic development focal points have emerged at Fraunhofer IKTS Hermsdorf. Firstly, we are now one of the world's leading research institutions in the field of membrane development for water treatment, air purification and gas separation. A second important field of work is dense, high-strength oxide ceramics for medical technology, toolmaking and mechanical engineering, automotive, lighting technology and optics. The high purity and small particle size of the starting powders (nanopowders) as well as the know-how of their processing are decisive here.
The third focus is on the field of functional ceramics for sensory and actuator applications, in particular using ceramic film and multilayer technology (LTCC, HTCC). The fourth, most recent and rapidly growing focus is battery development for stationary and mobile applications. The focus here is on ceramic sodium-ion batteries that are free of rare earths and other strategic raw materials and are characterized by high efficiency and cycle stability.
What would the world be missing if our company did not exist?
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is the largest research organization for application-oriented research in Europe. Our research fields are geared to people's needs: Health, security, communication, mobility, energy and the environment. And that's why the work of our researchers and development teams has a major impact on people's future lives. We are creative, we shape technology, we design products, we improve processes, we open up new paths. We invent the future.
At the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS, we develop membranes that can purify water down to the smallest nanoparticles or separate oxygen. We can produce high-purity oxide ceramics from nanopowders for medical technology and use them to manufacture dental implants and joint prostheses, for example. In Europe, we have the most modern facility for casting ceramic films. These are used in microelectronics or in the energy sector. With our ceramic battery, we have developed a sustainable energy storage system that can play an important role in the use of "green" power sources as part of the energy transition.
What makes the CAMPUS feel for us?
As a proud founding member of the Tridelta Campus Hermsdorf, we are certain that we can only make a difference at the site through joint efforts. Each of the member companies has its own strengths that need to be leveraged. In the future, networking and cooperation will become more and more important in the search for skilled workers and in the creation of a livable Hermsdorf. We look forward to playing our part in this.
What are we proud of?
Fraunhofer IKTS has already won a number of awards for its cutting-edge research, of which we are naturally proud. In 2017, we received the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for the world's best nanofiltration membrane for sustainable water treatment. We received the Thuringian Research Award 2019 for our ceramic battery. But we are most proud of our employees. From managers to trainees and students, whether researchers or technical employees, not least the administrative staff - they all make an important contribution to finding solutions to challenges that currently move people.
What career and development opportunities do we offer?
At Fraunhofer IKTS, we care about your personal development. Here you have the chance to work on cutting-edge topics in state-of-the-art laboratories. Of course, we want to keep good trainees and offer them employment if possible. You can then continue your education with us to become a technician or master craftsman. Students can write bachelor's and master's theses at Fraunhofer IKTS and then gradually move up the ladder with us, leading projects, groups and even departments.
Direct Contact
Fraunhofer-Institut für Keramische Technologien und Systeme IKTS
Michael-Faraday-Straße 1
07629 Hermsdorf
T: 0366014 93010