Research in Berlin

The Fraunhofer IPK is located on the banks of the river Spree as part of the Production Technology Center (PTZ) Berlin. In this area, the river forms the border between two districts, each of which in its own way plays an important role in Berlin's history as an industrial location: Charlottenburg and Moabit.

Industry and research in Berlin

Moabit was already industrialized in the early 19th century. Its location on the river Spree was essential for the transport of raw materials and industrial goods. The district quickly established itself as a location for large mechanical engineering plants and later as a residential area for workers.

Charlottenburg took a different route. Between Siemensstadt in the northwest and the TU Berlin campus in the southeast, there are numerous research institutes that have made the district into a center of German engineering and production science for decades.

At Fraunhofer IPK, these two threads come together in a symbolic way. Since the institute was founded in 1986, it has seen itself as an interface between production science and manufacturing industry - rooted in Berlin, with a global orientation. Together with three other Fraunhofer institutes, numerous Fraunhofer-related institutions, universities, research institutions and research companies, we are part of the capital's diverse research landscape.

Hub for digital startups

Today, Berlin is known in industrial circles above all as the hub of the digital start-up scene. Bold founders are transferring the most innovative methods and models directly from research to application. The Fraunhofer model promotes such companies: Our scientists are encouraged and supported to set up spin-offs directly from their research careers at the Fraunhofer IPK.

These start-ups offer solutions and technologies that have been made ready for the market at Fraunhofer IPK. This interaction of application-oriented research, industry and the start-up scene ensures that the latest developments are quickly available on the market. Over the years, the institute has thus developed into a node in Berlin's networked digitization scene, where many threads come together thanks to our connections to our numerous alumni and alumnae.