In September 2018, Fraunhofer IPMS and Globalfoundries Dresden signed a research contract to expand the development collaboration they have been pursuing for 13 years. The focus for the next two and a half years will be on the development of innovative materials, processes, and devices for the energy-saving technology FD-SOI, which is particularly in demand in the growth markets Internet of Things and automotive, but which also plays a role in medical engineering, logistics, and aerospace.

The partners are hoping for a more intensive and sustainable strategic direction fortheir joint research activities and a strengthening of Dresden as a technology location. To promote up-and-coming scientific talent, the collaboration also includes a doctoral candidate program for up to 16 young scientists. As part of the project, the Fraunhofer IPMS cleanroom will be expanded to approximately 900 m² and will receive new equipment. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research is providing funding under the auspices of the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany.