Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute HHI

Name

Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute HHI

Legal name

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.

Website

https://hhi.fraunhofer.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1928

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Telecommunications Research and Development

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)

SIC

Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825), Computer Communications Equipment (3576)

akta.pro primary industry

Wireless ISPs (WISPs) & Fixed Wireless Access Providers (HDAIADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Broadband Providers (HDAIABAE), Microwave & Licensed Point-to-Point Backhaul for Grid Operations (EUADAIAE), Renewable Power Electronics & Advanced Inverters R&D (SiC/GaN, Grid-Forming, HVDC Converter Tech) (EUAMAOAF)

Keywords

• Quantum key distribution
• Optical network research
• Video compression standards
• Photonic components
• Wireless communications research

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Public Research Funding: Fraunhofer HHI receives core funding from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft which is funded by German federal and state governments. Additional project funding comes from BMBF, BMWK, BMDV, and European Union programs including Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020.
2. Industry Research Contracts: Collaborative R&D projects with industry partners including telecommunications companies, network equipment manufacturers, and technology companies. Projects like the Nokia/Ericsson video compression partnership and OKI photonics agreement.
3. Technology Licensing and Spin-offs: The institute supports technology transfer through startups and licensing of developed technologies. Neptune music education startup received investment with Fraunhofer HHI as technology contributor.
4. Academic Partnerships and Chairs: University chairs hosted at Fraunhofer HHI with professors from TU Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, TU Clausthal, Freie Universität Berlin, and Universität Potsdam.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Fraunhofer HHI is an applied research institute that develops technologies and prototypes for mobile and optical communication networks. Core deliverables include Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems, single photon detection modules, photonic integrated components, next-generation video coding standards, LiFi backhaul solutions, and 5G/6G wireless research. The institute generates revenue through industry research contracts, government-funded R&D projects, technology licensing, and spin-off company formation.

Product overview

Fraunhofer HHI operates as a research institute with three main research areas: AI & Video, Communication & Networks, and Photonic Components & Systems. The core product portfolio centers on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems providing physically secured communication through quantum physics principles, alongside complementary hardware including Single Photon Detection Modules, Time Taggers, FPGA platforms, and power supply solutions. The institute develops optical networking technologies including LiFi 2.0 backhaul solutions, photonic neural networks for energy-efficient AI, and Space Division Multiplexing technologies for next-generation fiber networks. Video research encompasses H.266/VVC compression standards with ongoing development of next-generation codecs for 6G, while wireless research includes Terahertz communication, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces, and 5G campus network solutions. The department structure includes specialized units for Video Communication and Applications, Vision and Imaging Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Photonic Networks and Systems, Wireless Communications and Networks, Hybrid Integration and Sensing, InP and RF, Technology and Infrastructure, and Fiber Optical Sensor Systems.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IGNITE e.V. An innovation cluster for intelligent and sustainable optical networks launched by Fraunhofer HHI

Products and services

• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) System Turnkey QKD system implementing time-phase encoding based on 1-decoy-state BB84 protocol at 625 MHz qubit rate, providing future-proof long-term protection against quantum computer threats with seamless integration into telecommunication network infrastructures. Built for governments, telcos, and enterprises requiring tap-proof communications.
• Single Photon Detection Module (SPAD) Compact detector module with high sensitivity for precise single photon detection in quantum applications, optimized for optical C-band and O-band with modern detection efficiency and low dark count rates. Used by research institutions and quantum communication system integrators.
• Time Tagger (Time-to-Digital Converter) Versatile measurement device digitizing event timing with sub-nanosecond resolution down to 100 picoseconds, featuring multiple input channels with configurable switching threshold and hysteresis, network interface readout. Used in quantum optics and photonics research laboratories.
• Modular Multi Source Power Supply Configurable power supply consolidating multiple sources with up to 12 channels per slot, including current sources, voltage sources, laser drivers, and TEC controllers for precise power control in research labs.
• Zynq7030 FPGA Platform High-performance FPGA platform integrating Xilinx Zynq7030 with advanced I/O options, high-speed transceivers, and compact form factor (78 x 80 mm) for real-time digital signal processing in optical networks, 5G, and communications research.
• LiFi 2.0 Backhaul for 6G Optical-wireless backhaul solutions for high-performance 6G networks enabling fiber-like data rates through light fidelity technology supporting vehicle-to-vehicle communication and indoor deployment. Targets telecom operators and industrial 6G infrastructure deployments.
• Photonic Neural Networks High-performance and energy-efficient AI processing using light, combining photonic integration with neural network computation for accelerated machine learning workloads. Targets AI infrastructure operators and research institutions.
• Coherent Terabit Test and Measurement Instruments High-performance devices for ultra-fast optical communication testing and measurement in multi-band optical transmission systems. Used by network operators and optical equipment manufacturers.
• Space Division Multiplexing (SDM) Novel optical fiber communication technologies maximizing efficiency through spatial domain utilization, increasing fiber data rates by up to 100x factor through spatial parallelism in multi-core or few-mode fibers. Developed for telecom operators and network infrastructure providers.
• 5G Campus Network Solutions Complete 5G campus network infrastructure including edge-cloud capabilities for research and innovation, exemplified by deployment at BTU Senftenberg campus. Targets industrial enterprises, hospitals, and academic institutions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 680 km quantum-secured fiber connection demonstrated between Berlin and Frankfurt
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability10 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and minor.

• C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 February 2026C-DOT and Germany's Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz Institute already collaborating on advanced telecom R&D as a model for future Indo-German cooperation in 5G/5G-Advanced, 6G standardization, quantum communication, and AI in telecom under the Joint Declaration of Intent.
• OKIcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Comprehensive agreement for joint research to advance innovative photonic technologies. Fraunhofer HHI and OKI signed agreement to collaborate on photonic technology development.
• NokiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 October 2025Joint research partnership with Nokia and Ericsson to develop next-generation video compression standards for the 6G era. The collaboration aims to ensure Europe plays a leading role in setting future standards. First joint proof-of-concept codec reportedly delivers considerably higher compression efficiency than current standards including H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, and H.266/VVC. Work submitted to ITU-T and MPEG for evaluation.
• EricssoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 October 2025Joint research partnership with Nokia and Ericsson to develop next-generation video compression standards for the 6G era. The collaboration aims to establish Europe as a leader in future video coding standardization with operational standards expected 2029-2030.
• Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IMLstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Strategic innovation partnership with Fraunhofer IML establishing a joint three-year 'Enterprise Lab' for mobile robotics development in Dortmund. Collaboration brings together researchers and developers to create scalable mobile robotics platform.
• Nordhausen University of Applied SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2023Led the Q-net-Q research consortium (March 2023 - August 2025) demonstrating 680 km quantum infrastructure validation. Consortium included Fraunhofer HHI, Fraunhofer IOF, TU Berlin, TU Munich, FAU Erlangen, Jena University Hospital, and DE-CIX.
• LG ElectronicsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLG Electronics established foundational technology partnerships since 2019 through the LG Electronics-KAIST 6G Research Center and Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for 6G R&D collaborations.
• European Commission (NOSTRADAMUS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNOSTRADAMUS project funded by European Commission to support development of secure quantum communication infrastructure (EuroQCI). Fraunhofer HHI contributes expertise in optical communication systems, photonic integration, and network architectures.
• QuNET+BlueCert ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlueprint for certification ecosystem for quantum communication with partners including TÜV IT, FAU Erlangen, Pixel Photonics, PTB, Fraunhofer IOF, Fraunhofer AISEC, and others. Funded by BMBF (January 2024 - December 2026).
• QuNET+ ISQKMS ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment of interoperable secure quantum key management system meeting highest security requirements for meshed wide-area quantum communication networks. Funded by BMBF (October 2022 - September 2025).
• Q-net-Q ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntegration of QKD in backhaul networks and Internet Exchange Points with partners including Nordhausen University, Fraunhofer IOF, TU Berlin, TU Munich, FAU, DE-CIX, and Jena University Hospital. €11.8M BMBF/ERDF funded (March 2023 - August 2025).
• Quantenrepeater.Net (QR.N) ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner42 partners from research and industry testing quantum repeater technologies in real-world environments. Funded by BMBF (January 2025 - December 2027). HHI focuses on entanglement-based telecom networks.
• Q.Link.X ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner24 partners including universities (Bonn, TU Munich, TU Berlin, etc.) and industry labs developing key technologies for quantum repeaters. €14.8M BMBF funded (2018-2021).
• Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing collaboration in multiple quantum communication projects including Q-net-Q, QuNET initiative, and NOSTRADAMUS. Joint expertise in optical systems and photonic technologies for quantum-secure infrastructure.
• Colt Technology ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in EU project OpenQKD integrating QKD link into Berlinale film festival distribution network for quantum-secured high-resolution premiere films.
• ADVA Optical NetworkingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in OpenQKD project for quantum-secured film distribution at Berlinale, providing network infrastructure integration.
• ID QuantiqueminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-vendor QKD validation in Q-net-Q project and OpenQKD demonstration, providing detector technology for quantum key distribution systems.
• DLR (German Aerospace Center)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerSuccessful QKD demonstration between DLR research aircraft (Dornier 228) and mobile ground station in April 2025. Joint work on air-to-ground quantum key distribution for mobile and satellite-based QKD nodes.
• Max Planck Institute for the Science of LightstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on air-to-ground QKD experiments between aircraft and ground station, contributing to development of mobile quantum communication systems.
• Neptune (Music Education Startup)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBerlin-based music education startup raised $1.5M with Fraunhofer HHI as technology contributor. Neptune plans to expand digital music learning platform in UAE schools.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• ID Quantique: Swiss-based commercial leader in QKD hardware and quantum-safe network solutions. Direct peer to Fraunhofer HHI's QKD product line, both developing BB84-based systems and integrating with telecom operator networks (e.g., ID Quantique appears as HHI's co-vendor in OpenQKD/Q-net-Q).
• InterDigital: Public R&D and licensing company specializing in video coding standards (HEVC, VVC) and wireless. Comparable to HHI's video compression and wireless research, with a stronger commercial licensing model rather than a non-profit structure.
• NTT Research: Japanese telecom research lab pursuing quantum communication, photonics, and AI. Closely comparable in mission and structure to Fraunhofer HHI as a corporate research institute publishing at the same conferences and standards bodies.

Emerging players

• QuintessenceLabs: Australia-based quantum cybersecurity company developing QKD and quantum random number generation. Comparable niche player to HHI's QKD product family, focused on commercializing quantum-safe key distribution.

Broad incumbents

• Ericsson Research: Telecom equipment leader's research division covering 6G, network AI, and video. Strategic co-development partner with Fraunhofer HHI on next-generation video compression, making it both a collaborator and a benchmark for industry-grade telecom research output.
• Samsung Research: Global consumer-electronics-driven research division covering 6G, AI, and multimedia. Broad incumbent comparable in scale and ambition to Fraunhofer HHI's communications and AI research, with prior 6G cooperation via KAIST and LG Electronics.
• Toshiba Europe (Quantum): Commercial QKD and quantum cryptography vendor with a long-running presence in the UK/Japan. Comparable to HHI's QKD system offerings but operating as a commercial business unit rather than a research institute.
• Bell Labs (Nokia): Industrial research arm of Nokia, active in optical networks, 6G, and AI for communications. Comparable in research scope but with deeper commercial product ties; Nokia is also a direct strategic partner of Fraunhofer HHI on video coding.

Regional players

• QuantumCTek: China's leading commercial QKD systems vendor, active in long-distance quantum backbone deployments. Regional peer to HHI's QKD program, addressing similar use cases (government, telecom) primarily within the Chinese market.
• ETRI (Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute): Korean government-funded research institute covering 5G/6G, optical communications, and quantum. Comparable mission and funding model to Fraunhofer HHI, serving as a regional counterpart collaborating on 5G-Advanced and 6G standardization.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/FraunhoferHHI
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC2Xn9I2d4lGfuHg4L_LCQuA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fraunhofer-hhi
• Instagraminstagram.com/fraunhofer_hhi
• Facebookfacebook.com/FraunhoferHHI1928

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles22 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute HHI