Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS
The Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS and the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP in Halle (Saale) are among “Germany's Most Innovative Companies” in 2026. This is the seventh time that Fraunhofer IMWS has been recognized for its outstanding innovative strength. The award honors companies and research institutions that distinguish themselves through particularly strong innovation capabilities, future viability, and the successful implementation of new ideas.
“This repeated award confirms that excellent research, technological innovation, and social responsibility are inextricably linked,” says PD Dr. Christian Schmelzer, Acting Director of Fraunhofer IMWS. “Especially with regard to the energy transition, resource security, and economic resilience, Fraunhofer IMWS is making a decisive contribution to the development of sustainable and future-proof solutions for industry and society.”
The ranking is based on assessments by nearly 2,785 innovation and industry experts. It is compiled annually by the market research institute Statista and the business magazine Capital. The award is based on an independent, data-driven study drawing on a broad-based survey. Divided into 20 sectors and industry areas, a total of 503 companies were included in this year’s list, 149 of which received the highest rating of five stars, including Fraunhofer IMWS and Fraunhofer CSP. The two research institutions were assigned to the “Energy and Environment” sector, in which 39 companies made it onto the list of the best, 12 of them receiving five stars in the overall rating.
In-depth understanding of materials down to the smallest structural level
At Fraunhofer IMWS, nearly 300 employees are engaged in researching the microstructure and behavior of materials and systems throughout their entire life cycle. The aim is to make materials more efficient, durable, and sustainable. Key research areas include energy and environmental technologies, structural and functional materials, battery and hydrogen technologies, lightweight construction, and digital material and system analysis. The institute works closely with industry to develop practical results and promote technology transfer. In this way, the Fraunhofer team also contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of companies. The institute thus makes a significant contribution to the sustainable transformation of industry and society.
Fraunhofer IMWS is one of the 15 institutes cooperating within the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD). Across locations and technologies, the FMD jointly addresses current and future challenges in electronics research and provides important impetus for the technological development of micro- and nanosystems. Fraunhofer IMWS’s particular expertise lies in the characterization and reliability assessment of materials, components, and systems.
At Fraunhofer CSP, a joint institution of Fraunhofer IMWS and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, research focuses on the reliability assessment of solar cells, modules, and systems. The staff also offer outstanding expertise in chemical, electrical, optical, and microstructural material and component characterization.
The Fraunhofer Pilot Plant Center for Polymer Synthesis and Processing PAZ is included in the ranking for the first time in the category “Manufacturing & Processing of Materials and Building Materials.” Fraunhofer PAZ is a joint institution of the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP in Potsdam and the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS. It develops innovative polymer-based materials and sustainable plastic solutions for key application areas, thereby making important contributions to resource efficiency and the circular economy.
(February 5, 2026)