The new dream team did not take long to deliver, celebrating its first successes with e.g. its contribution to bringing the flip chip technology into industrial use.

A quarter of a century later, more than 300 scientists are now researching and developing electronic systems at a scale almost invisible to the naked eye. The work of the Institute has won plaudits and numerous awards, most recently the coveted 3DInCites Award as the Research Institute of the Year 2018.

25 Years of Impressive Progress
At the turn of the millennium, every component and every electric circuit was refined and optimized with great care, but too often in isolation. Today’s researchers at Fraunhofer IZM understand and treat miniaturized electronic systems holistically: From hetero-integration to reliability assessments – each step in the process forms one link in a complete and powerful chain.

The work of the researchers is imbuing microelectronics with unique and previously undreamed-of properties: Flexible batteries can be fitted seamlessly into everyday clothing to power a runner’s heart rate monitor or similar wearables. Waterproofed sensor systems can be submerged in drains to keep track of environmental conditions in sewage. The world’s tiniest camera unit can be ingested like a grain of rice to take endoscopic images without invasive and uncomfortable tubes. Sensors can monitor temperatures in liquids superheated to up to 700°C. The electronics of the future are tiny, durable and, more often than not, elegant accessories.

Into a Promising Future
Ever since its inception, the Institute has worked closely with the Technical University of Berlin: While the university is focused on fundamental high-tech research, Fraunhofer IZM and its industry partners are committed to applied research and industrial practice. Fraunhofer IZM has also dedicated itself to supporting the innovative spirit of young start-ups: 2016 saw the launch of the R&D platform Start-a-Factory, where young entrepreneurs can team up with experienced researchers to realize promising ideas.

Microelectronics have revolutionized our world in the last 25 years, and Fraunhofer IZM has been at the forefront of all of these movements. The Institute will continue to spark new trends and push the boundaries with innovative technologies like integrated optoelectronics or organic electronics.