"Fraunhofer IOF is well prepared to help shape the future of our country"

Jena | May 11. 2026

Whether in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, space, energy, or security, photonics has been evolving for years from a foundational technology into a strategic enabler across many cutting-edge fields of application. In a recent interview, Institute Director Prof. Dr. Andreas Tünnermann discusses strategic decisions at Fraunhofer IOF, investments into the future, and new opportunities for collaboration with industry and the research.

In 2025, the German federal government placed a strong focus on key technologies, technological sovereignty, and resilience with its High-Tech Agenda. Where does Fraunhofer IOF stand in this context?

Tünnermann:Fraunhofer IOF combines excellence in research with a clear understanding of the needs of our partners in industry and science, alongside a strong commitment to technology transfer. I personally view the High-Tech Agenda as an expression of political determination to shape our country’s future sustainably in critical fields of need, while strategically focusing research funding. Many of our research activities have been addressing the key technologies and application areas highlighted in the agenda for several years already—they are part of our DNA. Fraunhofer IOF is well prepared to actively help shape the future of our country.

How has Fraunhofer IOF changed in recent years?

Thanks to our close ties with customers, we recognized even before the pandemic that certain markets were undergoing structural change and losing momentum. We responded with a comprehensive roadmapping process. This involved reviewing structures, increasing efficiency, and setting clear priorities. As a result, we were able to reduce costs in some areas while investing heavily in future-oriented fields. These investments included people—such as establishing new research groups—as well as infrastructure and equipment, some of which is unique worldwide. For years now, our investment ratio has been close to 20 percent, significantly above the average within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft.

Which technological priorities guided the expansion of research infrastructure?

Two areas deserve particular emphasis. First, we invested around €25 million in equipment for the fabrication of micro- and nano-optics, up to and including photonic integrated circuits. These technologies are key enablers for high-performance computing (HPC) and quantum technologies, as well as for platforms that enable efficient scaling of artificial intelligence applications. Second, we invested more than €15 million in equipment for manufacturing imaging optics with large apertures. These systems are essential for the further development of AI, manufacturing, quantum technologies, space applications, and security. Both investments are long-term in nature. They address requirements related to safeguarding technological sovereignty while also meeting concrete industrial needs.

“Ultimately, our institute evolves above all through the people who work here.”

- Andreas Tünnermann

Artificial intelligence is the major trend this year, but its energy demand is becoming a critical issue. What concrete contributions can photonics make here?

Photonic solutions may reduce power consumption in AI computing significantly. Accordingly, we see a strong trend toward optical interconnects in the HPC domain, extending from microelectronic assemblies down to the chip level. At the same time, there is growing momentum toward photonic neuromorphic computing. Fraunhofer IOF is a strategic development partner for globally active companies in both fields.

Quantum technologies have attracted significant political attention in recent years. Where do you see realistic application prospects?

Our approach is clearly application-driven. In areas such as sensing or imaging, the specific quantum advantage often turns out to be limited. At the same time, impulses from quantum research have led to substantial advances in classical technologies, which is why the market originally forecast in these areas is currently shrinking.

The situation is fundamentally different in quantum communication, where a genuine quantum advantage exists. Based on this, we have derived technological roadmaps, and many applications are close to economic viability. In the longer term, new opportunities will also arise from networking quantum computers. Development in quantum computing itself remains highly dynamic. New approaches to error correction are promising, and the community expects “Q-day” in around ten years—potentially sooner for specialized applications. Personally, I am convinced that several relevant platforms will ultimately coexist. For Fraunhofer IOF, the photonic platform is of particular importance, not least because it inherently enables networking.

Space is gaining increasing strategic importance. What role does Fraunhofer IOF play in this field?

Space is a cross-cutting topic for us. Around 20 percent of our institute’s revenues now come from this area. Our competencies range from Earth observation instruments and optical satellite communication to systems with security-related applications. Optical inter-satellite and ground communication is developing particularly dynamically. Here, we are not only contributing research, but also coordinating large European initiatives focused on standardization and the establishment of corresponding infrastructures.

What do you expect from the future?

The only constant is change. Continually reinventing oneself is a prerequisite for long-term success—and we are well positioned in this respect. My personal goal is to further strengthen networking between research institutions and industry, including the establishment of joint labs, in order to unlock previously untapped potential. There are certainly still some hurdles to overcome, but the task is without doubt an exciting one.

Ultimately, our institute evolves above all through the people who work here, and to whom I would like to express my sincere thanks. Their creativity and professionalism are the key to success—and this is something we must continue to nurture and preserve.

(Note: this interview first appeared in the 2025 Annual Report of the Fraunhofer IOF.)