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In the miniLIDAR collaborative project, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), Jena-Optronik GmbH, a Leibniz Institute, and several Fraunhofer Institutes have jointly developed a novel LiDAR system for space applications. The result is an innovative, SPAD-based system that is significantly more compact, lighter, and more energy-efficient than previous solutions, while also meeting the demands of spaceflight.

Beginning Immunotherapies open up new possibilities in cancer treatment, but they also carry cardiovascular risks. Led by the University Hospital Essen, the I-CHECK-HEART project is developing an AI-supported solution for structured and personalized cardio-oncological follow-up care. The Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS is contributing its expertise in intelligent sensor and vital sign analysis to enable early risk detection and sustainably improve patient care.

In the CHOPS joint project, the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS is working with partners to develop an open design process for photonic-electronic chips. The aim is to better integrate development, packaging, and manufacturing and to map them in a consistent open-source environment. In this way, the project strengthens the innovative power and technological independence of European microelectronics.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS is playing a key role in the SQale project, which was launched on February 11, 2026. As an important subcontractor, IMS is working with Fraunhofer ISIT to develop integrated waveguide systems with active waveguide modulators, which are essential for the scalability of ion trap-based quantum computers and are being tested directly on neQxt's ion trap systems.

After three years of joint research, the Careful Edge X project consortium presents key findings for digitally supported care. A decentralized, Gaia-X-compliant edge system network has been developed that collects vital data contactlessly and intelligently supports care processes. The results clearly show that modern sensor technology, AI, and edge computing can reduce the workload for nursing staff while increasing safety and self-determination for those in need of care.

From smartphones to factory floors: optical detectors are the basis of many modern sensor systems. With its new platform for digital silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs), Fraunhofer IMS is paving the way for high-precision optical sensors in industry and research. The efficient SiPMs combine scientific excellence and industrial quality. For tomorrow's detection technologies.

In the FAITH project, Fraunhofer IMS, together with Fimo Health GmbH, Forschungszentrum Jülich, and Essen University Hospital, has developed an AI-based solution that makes fatigue in cancer patients measurable. Smartwatch data and an app enable objective measurement of exhaustion for the first time and provide personalized recommendations that make everyday life easier and support therapy.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS completed the project with clear results: A powerful laboratory ecosystem for nanosensor technology has been established, technological foundations have been laid, and the path to applications has been paved with pilot and feasibility studies. InsituBIOS was realized as part of the Fraunhofer Attract funding program, which enables outstanding external scientists to implement their ideas in a market-oriented, application-oriented environment.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS will be presenting cognitive biomedical sensor systems at this year's COMPAMED 2025 in Düsseldorf from November 17 to 20. The focus of the trade fair presentation will be on the intelligent ECG chip from the ARTEMIS project, high-precision pressure sensors for implants, and a vivid demonstration of modern ALD coating technologies.

Under the congress motto “Change through Progress,” the German Microelectronics Research Factory (FMD) presented itself at the 2025 MicroSystem Technology Congress in Duisburg from October 27 to 29 with a large joint booth and a diverse program of contributions. The participating Fraunhofer and Leibniz Institutes presented their latest research results addressing key topics such as sustainable electronics, quantum and neuromorphic computing, advanced packaging, and heterointegration. In addition to an exciting special session on the APECS pilot line, the grand opening of the “German Chips Competence Center” was a particular highlight.