The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM, President, Seog-Hyeon Ryu) has expanded cooperation with Germany’s Fraunhofer institutes and other leading European research organizations to strengthen international joint research in advanced manufacturing technologies and reinforce its global research collaboration network, thereby laying the foundation for future cooperation in next-generation mechanical technologies.

□ As part of KIMM’s global cooperation initiative 「With KIMM, to the World」 the Institute aims to further expand international joint research with major European research institutions, advance collaboration networks in advanced manufacturing technologies, and strengthen researcher exchange and global talent acquisition to enhance the global dissemination of KIMM’s technologies and the creation of joint research outcomes.

□ During a visit on July 16, President Ryu and KIMM researchers visited the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT, Acting Director, Dr. Jochen Stollenwerk)* in Aachen, Germany, where they signed a research cooperation agreement to expand collaboration in AI-based laser equipment development and intelligent manufacturing technologies. Through this agreement, the two institutions will broaden international joint research in AI-based laser process optimization, intelligent laser manufacturing systems, and next-generation production technologies, while further strengthening joint project development and researcher exchange.

* Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT): Established in 1985 in Aachen, Germany, ILT is a leading applied research institute under the Fraunhofer Society specializing in laser technologies. The institute conducts industry-oriented research in laser-based manufacturing processes, optical systems, additive manufacturing, digital production, and AI-based manufacturing technologies. With approximately 490 researchers working in close collaboration with industry, ILT advances advanced laser manufacturing technologies and their commercialization.

□ Since signing a research cooperation MoU in 2022, KIMM’s Department of Industrial Laser Technology at the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Research Division and Fraunhofer ILT have maintained active collaboration through joint research projects and researcher exchanges in laser applications and advanced manufacturing. The two institutions jointly developed high-speed laser processing technology for next-generation metallic fuel cell bipolar plates, and the laser processing equipment developed by Korea partners has been installed at Fraunhofer ILT, where it is currently being utilized as a collaborative research platform.

□ Building on their expertise in advanced laser processing technologies, including nuclear decommissioning and maintenance technologies, precision laser manufacturing, and intelligent process monitoring, the two institutions will expand their collaboration into future strategic industries. Their joint research will focus on AI-assisted laser manufacturing, real-time process monitoring, environmentally friendly production technologies, and next-generation laser processing. They also plan to explore new international collaborative projects in synchrotron-based in-situ process observation and advanced laser manufacturing. Through continued researcher exchanges and close international cooperation, the two institutions aim to enhance global technological competitiveness and lead innovation in next-generation laser manufacturing.

□ In addition, on July 16, the Nitro Future Initiative Global Top Research Lab (NFI GTR Lab, Head, Dr. Dae-Hoon Lee) participated in the National Research Council of Science and Technology (NST)–Fraunhofer Global Technology Exchange Meeting held at the Fraunhofer Institute for Materials Recycling and Resource Strategies (IWKS) in Alzenau, Germany. During the event, the Lab signed a research cooperation MoU with the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT)* in the fields of nitrogen fixation and high-temperature hydrocarbon conversion technologies.

* Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT): A leading applied research institute under the Fraunhofer Society in Germany. The institute conducts research on environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies in chemical processes, energy systems, polymers, and composite materials. It is internationally recognized for its expertise in energy storage systems such as batteries and fuel cells, lightweight materials for automotive and aerospace applications, and carbon-neutral organic synthesis technologies, while leading the development of commercialization-ready technologies for industrial applications.

□ The MoU is intended to identify new joint research opportunities and expand collaboration in chemical conversion process technologies based on plasma, catalysts, and electrochemical processes. Under the agreement, the two institutions will jointly conduct research on nitrogen fixation processes and high-temperature organic conversion technologies. In particular, the two institutions agreed to carry out a joint proof-of-concept (PoC) study on nitrogen fixation processes to verify the performance of the process system and discuss the evaluation of the applicability of the produced nitrogen-based fertilizers to crop cultivation in Germany. They also plan to identify and pursue new international collaborative research projects on high-temperature organic conversion technologies to further enhance the technological maturity and strengthen cooperation in the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly process technologies

□ KIMM’s Global TOP Strategic Research Group for Nitrogen Resource Conversion for a Future Energy Society is a national strategic research and development program supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and NST, with the goal of generating world-class research outcomes. The Group is developing technologies for producing ammonia, nitrogen-based fertilizers, clean hydrogen, and functional carbon materials using renewable energy-driven plasma processes. Through this collaboration, the Group plans to accelerate the verification of the economic feasibility of carbon-free nitrogen fertilizer production processes and establish a foundation for entering the European market.

□ On the same day, KIMM’s Department of Nano Display also participated in the NST–Fraunhofer Global Technology Exchange Meeting, where it discussed research cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (IWS) in the field of dry-process technologies for secondary batteries. The two institutions plan to explore opportunities for joint research by combining KIMM’s core capabilities in in-line Raman-based analysis of dry powder mixing uniformity and electrode coating uniformity and dry binder manufacturing technology for secondary batteries with Fraunhofer IWS’s expertise in dry battery manufacturing equipment and intelligent manufacturing technologies. This exchange is expected to provide an opportunity to broaden the application of KIMM’s in-line process monitoring technologies. KIMM also plans to actively pursue the application of these technologies not only in the battery sector but also across industries requiring highly precise manufacturing processes, including semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, while identifying new partners for collaborative research.

□ In Aachen on July 17, President Ryu attended the 30th anniversary ceremony of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, where he met with representatives from leading European research institutes, universities, and industry and shared the achievements and future vision of Korea–Europe science and technology cooperation. The event also provided an opportunity to strengthen KIMM’s collaboration network with European research institutions and discuss new international collaborative research projects and ways to further expand the foundation for research cooperation.

□ The following day, in Munich on July 18, KIMM will present a plaque of appreciation to Dr. Helmut Schmicker in recognition of his contributions to the establishment and development of KIMM, marking the Institute’s 50th anniversary. Dr. Helmut Schmicker played a key role in early technological cooperation between Germany and KIMM and in advancing Korea’s mechanical engineering capabilities. The ceremony is intended to express KIMM’s appreciation for his contributions to the Institute’s establishment and reflect on the history and significance of international cooperation. President Ryu and KIMM researchers will also participate in the Europe-Korea Conference on Science and Technology (EKC) 2026, to be held on July 20 in Toulouse, France.

□ In conjunction with EKC 2026 on July 21, KIMM will participate in a global talent recruitment event organized by the Ministry of Science and ICT. The Institute will showcase its research capabilities and working environment to outstanding overseas researchers and conduct recruitment consultations, aiming to strengthen its global talent network and enhance long-term research competitiveness.

□ President Ryu emphasized, “This visit to Germany and France marks an important step in expanding strategic cooperation with leading European research institutions and strengthening the foundation for international joint research.” He added, “KIMM will continue to expand international joint research in advanced manufacturing technologies, including collaboration with Fraunhofer ILT and ICT, and further strengthen the global competitiveness of Korea’s mechanical engineering technologies through an enhanced global research collaboration network and the recruitment of outstanding research talent.”