Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS

Competence in ceramics

The Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS conducts applied research on high-performance ceramics. The institute‘s three sites in Dresden and Hermsdorf (Thuringia), Germany, collectively represent Europe‘s largest R&D institute dedicated to the study of ceramics.

As a research and technology service provider, the Fraunhofer IKTS develops advanced high-performance ceramic materials, industrial manufacturing processes as well as prototype components and systems in complete production lines up to the pilot-plant scale. In addition, the research portfolio also includes materials diagnostics and testing. The test procedures in the fields of acoustics, electromagnetics, optics and microscopy contribute substantially to the quality assurance of products and plants.

 

Halle (Saale), April 15, 2026

News

The Raw Materials Transition in the Chemical Industry – A Study on the Future of the Chemical Cluster in Central Germany

The Central German Chemical Cluster (MDSV) is one of Germany’s most significant integrated chemical clusters, characterized with closely interconnected material flows between its member sites. A central component of the cluster is the steam cracker in Böhlen, which has been operated by DOW to date. This facility supplies large quantities of basic petrochemical chemicals such as ethylene, propylene, and aromatics. The planned decommissioning of the steam cracker by the end of 2027 presents the MDSV with a profound structural shift.

 

Western Australia, March 23, 2026

Press release

Joint IKTS and ECU “Ideas to Industry Lab” opened in Australia

In a major milestone for innovation in Western Australia, Edith Cowan University (ECU) and Fraunhofer IKTS have officially opened a state-of-the-art joint research and innovation laboratory. 

 

Hermsdorf, March 10, 2026

Press release

Federal Minister Dorothee Bär visits Fraunhofer IKTS

During her visit to Thuringia on March 10, 2026, Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär visited Fraunhofer IKTS in Hermsdorf to learn about current developments and strategic initiatives in the field of energy and environmental technology. It became clear that ceramic materials can become crucial building blocks on the path to new value creation in energy and environmental technology.

Annual Report 2025/26

The annual report of Fraunhofer IKTS provides information and reports about our latest results of research.

Certified

The Fraunhofer IKTS is certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001, DIN EN ISO 14001, EN ISO 13485 and DIN EN ISO / IEC 17025.

Sites of Fraunhofer IKTS

Germany: Dresden, Hermsdorf, Freiberg, Arnstadt, Forchheim, Rostock, Braunschweig, Leipzig, Cottbus, Schmalkalden, Berlin

Portugal: Porto