Southwestern Business Conference
Date: 15 October 2026 Location: Houston, TX
Organized by GACC South, BCON South is a decision environment, not just a networking forum. It brings together the people actively deploying capital and building at scale across energy, data, logistics, and industrial infrastructure. The event focused on- Large-scale energy and transition infrastructure. Hyperscale data centers and power demand growth, LNG, nuclear, and next-generation energy systems, Petrochemical and industrial reinvention, Ports, logistics, and supply chain restructuring.
Our colleague, Dr. Marcel Schaefer, contributed to the topic: Data Center & AI.
The Battery Show North America 2026
13-15th October 2026 Location: Detroit MI
Fraunhofer USA Inc. and the Fraunhofer Battery Alliance presented a selection of the latest results from applied research and development at booth #4429 in the German Pavilion.
Our colleagues highlighted the following during the expo : (not limited to)
- Prototyping and Small-Series Cell Manufacturing
- Dry Coating of Battery Electrodes
- Special-Purpose Equipment for Cell Manufacturing: Explore our Electrolyte Filling System at the booth
- Battery Module and Pack Welding Technologies, including AI-Based In-Line Weld Monitoring
- Training and Workforce Development
Battery Cell Development and Production: Our 3D model of our pilot electrode coating line explained how Fraunhofer works with you to achieve scalability, reproducibility, and consistent quality in battery cell production.
Working example: We work with the Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation (CIBI): Fraunhofer USA is a core project partner in the Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation (CIBI), based at the University of South Carolina. CIBI is dedicated to advancing battery technology through research, education, and manufacturing, with a focus on innovations at every scale, from nanoscale materials to cell-level design to grid-scale energy storage.
Electrolyte filling equipment: Our electrolyte filling equipment is Fraunhofer technology addressing one of the most critical and time-sensitive steps in lithium-ion battery manufacturing. Electrolyte filling determines how effectively the electrolyte wets the porous electrodes and separator inside a cell, a step that directly affects performance, lifetime, and safety. In response to the industry's need for flexible, scalable production, Fraunhofer developed a modular filling system that can adapt to different cell formats and chemistries on a single machine platform. Visitors to the booth will get a firsthand look at the equipment behind this process, along with the research driving it forward.
Fraunhofer Battery Alliance: Drawing on the comprehensive knowledge of over 750 experts from 26 member institutes, a unique infrastructure and the experience gained from hundreds of research projects.
7th Executive Summit
Date: 23-24 September 2026 Location: Automation Alley, Troy MI
Organized by: Leading Insights , Supported by: Fraunhofer USA, Fraunhofer IZFP, Fraunhofer IWU
This high-level executive event provides a unique platform for decision-makers, engineers, and manufacturing specialists to discuss the latest technological developments, exchange practical insights, and explore innovative solutions for designing material properties through thermomechanical treatment.
Details CLICK HERE
Automate 2026
Date: 22-25th June 2026 Location: McCormick Center, Chicago
Fraunhofer USA, Inc., in collaboration with our global partner, Fraunhofer IWU, showcased the newest in technical innovations. We specialize in solving high-tech challenges by utilizing world-class scientific and engineering expertise.
To review the highlighted technical innovation click HERE
Fraunhofer USA Annual Open House during ALAW 202
Date: June 18, 2026 Location: 46025 Port St | Plymouth, MI 48170
thank you to all who joined us for this annual networking event in conjunction with ALAW2026. This was an opportunity to see our lab and share food/drink with other industry professionals.
CAMC, JAMA, and Fraunhofer USA
Date: June 8,2026 Where: Hybrid- On Teams and In Person at JAMA
All Member Meeting – Manufacturing Intelligence: Navigating the AI Frontier with Fraunhofer USA
Members of the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association (JAMA) and the Capital Area Manufacturing Council (CAMC) are welcome to join this educational AI Member Meeting session led by Fraunhofer USA. The focus is on clear, practical uses of AI that support modern manufacturing and daily operations.
Insightful guidance, predictive tools, better quality, smoother processes, and time for conversation.
German American Lightweight & Additive Manufacturing Evening Reception Boston
Date: June 4, 2026 Location: CIC Cambridge (Kendall Square), 245 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, 3rd floor
An evening reception showcasing ten selected German companies from the Lightweight and Additive Manufacturing Industry as they explore opportunities in the U.S. market. The program features a keynote presentation, company pitches, and a networking session.
Dr. Christine McBeth from the Fraunhofer USA Center for Manufactuiring Innovation joined the event organized by the German American Chamber New York/Boston.
This event is part of the Market Entry Program (MEP), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWE). The program aims to strengthen international knowledge transfer and collaboration between Germany and the U.S.
Year 5 final Showcase of the Carbon to Value (C2V) Initiative!
Date: 3 June 2026 Location: Brooklyn, NY (register to see Address)
The C2V Initiative, a collaboration between Fraunhofer USA, Urban Future Lab at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, and Greentown Labs, is helping accelerate carbontech solutions from innovation to market. We’re excited to see this year’s cohort present the progress they’ve made throughout the past six months of the C2V program, and where they are headed next.
Arbon, Cella, ICODOS, Lite-1, Mission Zero Technologies, Octavia Carbon, RUSHNU, Sora Fuel, Turnover Labs, and Universal Matter Inc. are helping define what scalable, economically viable carbon-to-value pathways can look like.
From carbon capture and sustainable aviation fuel to circular materials and industrial CO₂ conversion, these companies are driving real-world innovation across the carbontech industry.
Join us to hear startup presentations, connect with founders and industry leaders, and get a front-row seat to the future of carbontech.
5th Annual MX.0 Southeast
When: 7-8th April 2026 Where: Hyatt Regency, 220 N.Main Street, Greenville SC. 29601
Marcel Schaefer presented AI in Action: How to Leverage AI-Driven Inspection to Achieve Enhanced Precision and Reliability in the Body Shop
Real-world case where BMW, Fraunhofer, and Clemson University partnered to transition from manual to fully automated, AI-driven inspection in the body shop. Get to grips with the problem statement, how the project scope was defined, and the execution of the various work packages. Benefit from seeing the results and comparing them to the initial targets, demonstrating not only enhanced precision and reliability but also achieving a return on investment within the first year of deployment.
SME Future Composites Exchange
When: 24-26 March 2026 Where: Greenvile SC
Future Composites Exchange
Policymakers, industry leaders, and fellow innovators joined at the prestigious Future Composites Exchange, co-produced by SME, SAMPE Carolinas, Clemson University, University of Delaware and hosted by the Clemson Composites Center.
Dr. Marcel Schäfer of Fraunhofer USA will presented how applied R&D can help de-risk adoption and accelerate commercialization by connecting industry needs with research capabilities, facilities, and talent.
His talk, 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘵: 𝘈𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘢’𝘴 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘐𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘦, explored how South Carolina is building a repeatable pathway to move advanced composites ideas from early concept to qualified, scalable components. It also highlights how collaboration across industry, academia, and public-sector partners can reduce the friction that often stalls progress at the proof-of-concept stage.
AURP Spring Training 2026
March 9 – 11, 2026 Where: Tempe, AZ 85281
This high-impact program brought together thought leaders, economic developers, research park managers, and university and industry partners to unite and discuss the innovation of tomorrow. This is where the Community of Innovation comes to build our global network.
Fraunhofer USA is a proud member of the Association of University Related Research Parks (AURRP).
SC Compete Spring Seminar 2026
Date: 3-4th March 2026 >Location: Rock Hill SC
Two Days of Industry Insight, Strategic Connections, and Talent Engagement
Winthrop University, Rock Hill, South Carolina
Started with a B2B Event (Mentorship, Matchmaking & Networking) on March 3rd, and was followed by a conference day of interactive sessions on March 4th. The SC Competes Spring Summit convened decision makers from logistics, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, technology, education, and the public sector who need an accurate view of where the Southeast economy is heading—not where it has been.
Fraunhofer USA
