Fraunhofer IIS

About Fraunhofer IIS

As the largest Fraunhofer Institute, Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, headquartered in Erlangen, is a global leader in applied research, driving innovation for transformative products and services that shape the digital future. Fraunhofer IIS gained international recognition for developing the mp3 format and next-generation codecs. Today, it is the largest and most economically successful institute within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. Boosting economic competitiveness and contributing to a sustainable future for society – these are the goals by which the institute defines its success. Across seven research divisions, Fraunhofer IIS develops forward-thinking solutions that drive technological progress for its national and international partners and clients in industry, business and the public sector. Its strong performance is built on four core areas of expertise: artificial intelligence, microelectronics, data acquisition and analysis, as well as signal processing and data transmission. Its ability to combine and tailor these competencies to meet the specific needs of industry enables Fraunhofer IIS to provide original and forward-looking solutions to its clients. More than 1,200 employees work in contract research for industry, service providers, and the public sector. Founded in 1985, the institute operates across its locations in 12 cities: Erlangen (headquarters), Nuremberg, Fürth, and Dresden, as well as Bamberg, Deggendorf, Ilmenau, Munich, Passau, Merkendorf, Waischenfeld, and Würzburg. In 2024, Fraunhofer IIS generated €240 million in funding, with 42 percent of its budget covered by revenue from industry. Additional funding came from public projects, institutional funding from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, and other sources.