As a strategic partner of Fraunhofer Singapore Research Limited – an Asian subsidiary of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft – Fraunhofer ENAS has enjoyed strong links with Singapore as a center of innovation and technology for several years and is helping to strengthen the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft’s international presence in Asia. Fraunhofer and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore have collaborated closely for over 25 years, jointly running an interdisciplinary research center on campus. This partnership offers numerous opportunities to advance joint R&D activities in Asia and to deepen them further in the future.

 

Cooperation with Globally Recognized Research Centers and Universities

The two agreements concluded with the research institutions A*STAR and NUS cover microelectronics, system integration, and applied research, and are intended to deepen Fraunhofer’s transnational relationships in Southeast Asia while laying the foundation for sustainable bilateral partnerships in these areas.

A*STAR is the leading R&D agency in Singapore and serves as a catalyst for technological innovation throughout Asia. NUS and NTU are two of the world’s leading universities, consistently excelling in international university rankings (QS World University Rankings) and listed among the “Top 15 Universities” worldwide. They are regarded as key drivers of innovation and technology development in Southeast Asia.

 

Cooperation with A*STAR Powers the Semiconductor Industry Forward

In October 2025, Fraunhofer and A*STAR signed a cooperation agreement with a view to pooling their expertise. This forms the basis for close technological collaboration in microelectronics, including testing semiconductor products and assessing their reliability. These are key areas for the chip industry, where the R&D activities of Fraunhofer ENAS and the Institute of Microelectronics (IME) – part of A*STAR – complement one other perfectly, paving the way for faster research processes and technological progress.

Initially, the partnership will focus on the joint development of highly efficient power electronics components based on silicon carbide semiconductors (SiC). Their long service life and high thermal stability make these ideal for use in electromobility, data center infrastructures, and system solutions for renewable energies.

Another aim of the partnership is to enhance knowledge transfer by taking a holistic approach to cooperation. This will include organizing international exchange programs for highly qualified specialists, strengthening scientific networking between the two partner organizations, and integrating innovative companies from Saxony into Singapore’s innovation ecosystem.

 

New Computing Speeds and Architectures Thanks to NUS Partnership

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by Fraunhofer ENAS and NUS marks another milestone in the strengthening of transnational ties in Southeast Asia. This MoU fosters close cooperation in the field of in-memory computing for innovative AI solutions as well as the validation of quantum communication systems. The aim of the partnership is to combine the research expertise of NUS and Fraunhofer ENAS in real-life applications and to ensure access to leading international research facilities.

“Cementing our institutional links with world-renowned academic institutions with proven research expertise, such as A*STAR, NUS, and NTU, strengthens our international relationships and serves as an important bridge. It connects Chemnitz, a leader in microtechnology development; Saxony, a major center of Europe’s semiconductor industry; and Germany, a premier research location, with one of Asia’s most dynamic innovation hubs, thereby creating an agile and vibrant ecosystem. Our close cooperation with international partners in industry, research, and development – both in Asia and in Europe – will provide us with an opportunity to expand this ecosystem by incorporating further players and institutions, and building closer ties between them. This will make it possible to harness the potential for sustainable and globally significant technological developments for the benefit of the economy and society, while facilitating technological leadership and international competitiveness through global research and knowledge transfer,” says Professor Harald Kuhn, Director of Fraunhofer ENAS, as he explains the motivation behind the agreement.

 

Building Bridges for Chemnitz, Germany, and Europe

Minister-President Michael Kretschmer regards the signing of the two agreements by Fraunhofer ENAS as a strong endorsement of Saxony as a key hub for the semiconductor industry: “Broadening economic and scientific relations between leading Saxon institutions, such as Fraunhofer ENAS, and dynamic partner countries in East Asia is extremely beneficial for developing the key industries of the future. As a center of excellence and innovation for Europe’s semiconductor industry, Saxony is thus gaining international prominence and global visibility beyond Singapore and Asia, from which both research and industry will benefit equally.”

Sven Schulze, Mayor of Chemnitz, also sees great potential in the partnerships established by Fraunhofer ENAS: “The close ties to Singapore will also open up new avenues for the City of Chemnitz in the days ahead. They offer a unique opportunity to establish new business relationships in Asia and to promote the recruitment of skilled workers and young talent from around the world. By helping to shape key innovation dynamics, Chemnitz will gain lasting strength and be able to consolidate and further expand its position as an attractive hub for research and business long into the future.”

 

About Fraunhofer ENAS

The Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nano Systems ENAS´s key strength lies in the holistic development of “intelligent systems” for various applications. Its research activities range from the development of innovative wafer and packaging technologies to the production of electronic components, micro- and nano sensors, and actuators, as well as developing system concepts and system integration technologies, including communication interfaces. Fraunhofer ENAS uses state-of-the-art and AI-supported test and reliability methods to transfer the developed solutions into practical applications. The institute guides customer projects from the initial idea through to the design phase, technology development or implementation using existing technologies, to the final tested prototype.