Prague Advanced Technology and Research Innovation Center, a.s. (PATRIC) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 12, 2025 with the Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF (Magdeburg), which is part of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Europe's largest applied research organization.
This document follows on from the previously signed memorandum and represents a significant step in strengthening long-term cooperation between the two institutions. The new MoU expands the framework of cooperation to include specific thematic areas of high strategic importance for the Czech Republic and Europe:
- ETCS Level 2 railway systems - increasing the safety and efficiency of railway transport,
- metro railway systems - modernization and automation of urban public transport,
- energy and decarbonization - development of innovative solutions for sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint.
The Memorandum has a framework character and is concluded for a period of two years. Specific projects will be negotiated through separate contracts. The cooperation includes joint research and development in the Czech Republic, scientific and technical consulting for clients, as well as joint customer presentations and pilot projects.
“Our previous memorandum with Fraunhofer IFF set the basic framework for cooperation, now we are developing it by clearly defined areas that are of fundamental importance for the modernization of transport and energy in the Czech Republic. We believe that this agreement will lead to projects with a real and measurable impact,”
“Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has long been focused on connecting cutting-edge research with practice. By building on the previous memorandum, we can, together with PATRIC, contribute to the development of innovations that will support the competitiveness of Czech industry and bring concrete benefits to society,”
The new memorandum also underlines the importance of Czech-German cooperation in the field of research and innovation, which is crucial for strengthening European competitiveness in times of technological transformation.