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The FraunhoferGesellschaft based in Germany is the world ´ s leading applied research organization.Prioritizing key future relevant technologies and commercializing its findings in business and industry, it plays a major role in the innovation process. A trailblazer and trendsetter in innovative developments and research excellence, it is helping shape our society and our future. Founded in 1949, the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany. Over 30,000 employees, predominantly scientists and engineers, work with an annual research budget of 3 billion. Fraunhofer generates 2. 6 billion of this from contract research.