Overview
Fraunhofer IPMS (Institut für Photonische Mikrosysteme / Institute for Photonic Microsystems) is a leading international research and development service provider headquartered in Dresden, Germany. The institute specializes in electronic and photonic microsystems, serving industries ranging from smart manufacturing to healthcare and mobility.
As part of the globally distributed Fraunhofer Society, IPMS conducts applied research bridging fundamental science with industrial-scale technology development, including work on sustainable microelectronics and advanced materials.
Core Research Capabilities
MEMS & Microsystems:
- Micro-electromechanical systems design and fabrication
- Custom miniaturized sensors and actuators
- MOEMS (Micro-Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems)
- Integrated microsystem solutions
Integrated Circuits & Microelectronics:
- Application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)
- Wireless and wired communication systems
- Analog and mixed-signal design
- Power management circuits
Photonic Systems:
- Microdisplays and projection systems
- Optical MEMS
- Photonic integration
- Imaging and sensing systems
Green & Sustainable Microelectronics:
- Low-power circuit design
- Energy-efficient systems
- Sustainable manufacturing processes
- Materials for green electronics
Manufacturing Infrastructure
Advanced Cleanrooms:
- 1,500 m² of MEMS and MOEMS cleanrooms
- Industry-standard equipment and processes
- 200 mm substrate capability
- From process development to pilot production
Characterization & Testing:
- Materials characterization capabilities
- Electrical property measurement
- Fundamental material analysis
- Prototype validation and testing
Application Domains
Smart Industrial Solutions:
- Sensor systems for manufacturing
- Process monitoring and control
- Industrial automation components
- IoT-enabled smart systems
Bio and Health Applications:
- Medical device sensors and actuators
- Biomedical microsystems
- Health monitoring devices
- Implantable microelectronics
Mobility & Automotive:
- Sensor systems for vehicles
- Autonomous driving components
- Environmental monitoring
- Performance measurement systems
Sustainable Technologies:
- Energy-efficient microelectronics
- Materials for circular economy
- Low-environmental-impact manufacturing
- Green technology development
Research Focus Areas
Materials & Process Development:
- Advanced material characterization
- Process innovation and scaling
- Sustainable material options
- Performance optimization
Miniaturization:
- Increasingly compact system designs
- Integration of functionality
- Reduced resource consumption
- Enhanced efficiency
Sustainability in Electronics:
- Manufacturing process optimization
- Energy reduction in operation
- Recyclable and eco-friendly materials
- Circular economy integration
Bioplastics & Materials Connection
While IPMS’s primary focus is on microelectronics and MEMS, the institute contributes to bioplastics research through:
- Materials characterization of advanced polymers including bioplastics
- Electrical properties analysis of bio-based materials
- Manufacturing process research for sustainable electronics packaging
- Collaboration with other Fraunhofer institutes on bio-based materials (e.g., Fraunhofer UMSICHT)
Institutional Context
Fraunhofer Society:
- Non-profit research organization
- 76 institutes across Germany and worldwide
- Applied research focus
- Industry partnership and technology transfer
Position in Bioplastics Ecosystem:
- Materials research and characterization partner
- Microelectronics packaging innovator
- Sustainable manufacturing technology provider
Last updated: February 27, 2026