Fraunhofer USA
Fraunhofer USA
© Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
In physics and optics, the Fraunhofer lines are a set of spectral lines named after the German physicist Joseph von Fraunhofer (1787–1826). The lines were originally observed as dark features (absorption lines) in the optical spectrum of the Sun.

In physics and optics, the Fraunhofer lines are a set of spectral lines named after the German physicist Joseph von Fraunhofer (1787–1826). The lines were originally observed as dark features (absorption lines) in the optical spectrum of the Sun.

© Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

History

Fraunhofer USA History

In 1994, in order to meet the challenges of globalization of business and science, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft took steps to strengthen its international presence.

Fraunhofer USA was incorporated in Rhode Island as a non-profit 501 (C) 3 in September of that year.

Fraunhofer USA, with the support of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Institutes of Production Technology and Laser Technology, started the operations in Massachusetts and Michigan that formed the early foundations of the organization.

The following years brought the growth and changes resulting in the expansion of Fraunhofer USA into its current business locations in Maryland, Delaware and Connecticut, in addition to the long standing Massachusetts and Michigan locations.

Fraunhofer USA Centers today cover a wide variety of research subject and are continuously broadening the scope of research fields to meet ever changing demand.

The organization has formed mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations with excellent academic institutions such as the University of Maryland, Boston University, Michigan State University and the University of Delaware.

As Fraunhofer USA has been in operation for over 30 years, it can not only draw on those years of experience here in the US, but also on over 70 Years of expertise from the key coopertion partner, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. With this pool of expertise, the name “Fraunhofer” is synonymous with all current topics of applied research, such as Industry 4.0 and Cyber-Physical Systems.

30 Year Anniversary

In 2024 we celebrate thirty years of generating innovative science and engineering in the United States. In 1994, our founding partner, Europe’s largest applied research and development organization Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, set up Fraunhofer USA as an independently incorporated non-profit entity in the world’s largest R&D economy. The concept was simple, partner with universities of excellence in the United States and jointly operate research centers that offer technology solutions and applied research and development services to our partners from industry and the public. We believe that innovative technology solutions are one of the enabling backbones for the continued wellbeing and growth of our society, providing advancements in areas of health, environment, sustainable energy, efficient transportation and so much more. Over the course of the last 30 years, we have been privileged to work with many amazing people who make up the U.S. and indeed global R&D landscape that moves the progress of applied research and development and contributes to the progress of humanity and its future. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our founding and steadfast partner, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, for their strong and unwavering support and cooperation. Through Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft’s vision and guidance, Fraunhofer USA has thrived and is a valuable partner supporting the goals and mission of ensuring scientific and engineering progress in areas of bilateral concern to both, the Unites States and Germany, for now and in the future. I would also like to thank our long-term partner universities, Michigan State University, Boston University and the University of Maryland. The collaborative and exchange relationships with these prestigious research universities have proven to be a strong basis for the success of the organization and that targeted and comprehensive strategic planning is addressing the most critical challenges in applied science and engineering. I would like to thank our customers, who bring interesting challenges to us. We utilize our expertise to support them solving those challenges. We are privileged to have the trust of our customers and take pride in the thousands of successful projects that have been executed over the last 30 years. Of course, I also thank our employees, past and present, who have contributed their expertise, talent, and innovation to the organization. Our employees are the heart and soul of the organization. Moving forward we continue to acknowledge that we are part of a vast interconnected chain of life on the planet, and we need to find ways to not only coexist with nature, but help, support and nurture it. It is not just sustainability we must achieve, but also recognize our obligation to each other and other life on earth to do our part to heal and repair some of the damage that has been caused and continues to be caused. 

Thomas Schuelke, President, Fraunhofer USA, Inc.

History of Fraunhofer

Portrait of Joseph von Fraunhofer
© Fraunhofer Gesellschaft
Portrait of Joseph von Fraunhofer

As it stands today, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has attained a size and influence that makes it an undisputedly vital element in Germany’s industrial and scientific landscape. But the early years were far from easy. The research organization was founded in 1949, in the same year as the Federal Republic of Germany, and started out as a small office with just three employees. The original purpose of the non-profit organization was to distribute grants and donations for research of direct relevance to industry. The impressive march of progress as seen and experienced by the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is documented in the Chronicle.

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft owes its name to Joseph von Fraunhofer (1787-1826), the successful Munich researcher, inventor and entrepreneur. The story of his life and works clearly indicates why he was chosen as the role model for our organization.

Born of a family of modest means, Joseph von Fraunhofer was a glass-grinding apprentice when discovered by the privy counsellor Joseph von Utzschneider. He took up employ in the latter’s Optical Institute and, at the age of 22, became the director of glass manufacturing. He was responsible for the development of new methods of glass production and processing

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