Since the beginning of 2011, Fraunhofer has turned the spotlight on outstanding application-oriented German technology developers who come out first in a series of nationwide competitions. To enter, candidates are requested to put forth tailor-made business cases to be reviewed by an international panel of experts on criteria such as originality and commercial viability.

Winners of the nationwide GHTC competitions receive prize money, are awarded the title "German High Tech Champion," and are honored at corresponding international events. Aiming at exchanging information between scientists and industry as well as identifying R&D needs, the German High Tech Champions present their application-oriented business cases to industry executives at these events.

Fraunhofer is Europe’s largest application-oriented research organization. The German High Tech Champions Competitions and Awards are selected "Research in Germany" activities.