Press Releases

For nearly five years, 26 research institutions, companies and start-ups have joined forces in QSolid to develop a quantum computer using cutting-edge German technology: a 30-qubit quantum chip with low error rates. With several competitive demonstrators, the project has more than achieved this goal. In addition to a 10-qubit system that has already been tested and made accessible to users, the consortium is currently testing a 30-qubit system, with promising results. Using demonstration applications, such as the modelling of spin resonance processes employed in chemical analysis and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the interaction between hardware and software could be investigated under realistic conditions.

Fraunhofer IPMS and Hamburg University of Technology have completed the “MEMS-ParAmps” project, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (FhG). The project focused on a new amplifier chip that increases the sensitivity of wireless sensors without increasing their power consumption.

New possibilities for prostate care are emerging from the collaboration between medical and microsystems technologies. As MaxQ Medical's development partner, the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS is developing miniaturized ultrasound transducers for the company's technology platform. Following a recent Series A funding round of $31.5 million, the company intends to accelerate the development of its platform and clinical program. This collaboration exemplifies how microsystems technology can facilitate novel ultrasound applications in medicine.

Fraunhofer IPMS presents Li-Fi TinySpot, a miniaturized, energy-efficient optical transceiver for wireless data communication in applications with limited power supply, such as sensors, wearables, and embedded devices. The transceiver supports bidirectional full-duplex communication at data rates of up to 20 Mbps over distances from a few centimeters to several meters. Its compact form factor, low power consumption and UART and SPI interfaces facilitate integration into space-constrained systems such as Health and Usage Monitoring Systems and support the modernization of legacy IrDA interfaces.

Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS have developed a full-color OLED microdisplay based on a 28 nm CMOS process, which is highly efficient and features smallest pixels. The display will be presented at Eurodisplay 2026, taking place from September 22 to 24, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland.

Science Minister Manja Schüle launches the artificial intelligence and microelectronics initiative. The Federal Ministry of Research is funding the project with €15 million under the Structural Development Act. The first module, AI-DISCO, is researching a platform for distributed AI.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS has expanded its 300 mm technology platform with a highly flexible physical vapor deposition (PVD) system, reinforcing its capabilities in developing CMOS-compatible materials and processes for next-generation quantum computing. Installed in collaboration with Polyteknik, the new platform enables the deposition and optimization of superconducting thin films on 300 mm wafers under production-like semiconductor manufacturing conditions. This is a major milestone towards the establishment of a European Quantum Research Foundry.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS has developed a new technology that can significantly improve the image quality of optical microscopes. A specially designed micromechanical mirror array corrects optical distortions that occur when viewing biological tissue. This makes even fine structures appear sharper, which is an important prerequisite for biomedical research and future applications in medical diagnostics.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS is one of the world’s leading research institutions in the field of spatial light modulators. Its technologies enable light to be controlled and shaped with high precision. This opens up new possibilities in semiconductor manufacturing, medical technology, and precision optics. At Photonix Japan 2026, Fraunhofer IPMS will present its latest research findings. The institute will also demonstrate how its spatial light modulators can be further developed into customized solutions for demanding photonic applications.

Lusatia is emerging as one of Germany’s most exciting innovation hubs. Through targeted investments in research and technology transfer, Cottbus is becoming a strong hub for future technologies. The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS) is playing a key role in this development, with a focus on microelectronics, smart sensors, and artificial intelligence: The institute combines excellent research with concrete applications for industry, thereby laying the technological foundation for the region’s successful structural transformation.