FORTISS GMBH

Their core work

fortiss is a Munich-based research institute specializing in software-intensive systems, cyber-physical systems (CPS), and applied AI. They bridge the gap between academic research and industrial deployment by building tools, platforms, and methods for trustworthy autonomous systems, smart manufacturing, and digital innovation hubs. A significant part of their work involves the Human Brain Project, contributing simulation, neuroinformatics, and high-performance computing capabilities to large-scale brain research infrastructure. They also serve as a regional catalyst for digitisation, helping SMEs access CPS and AI technologies through innovation hub networks.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In 2015–2018, fortiss focused heavily on foundational cyber-physical systems work — embedded systems, plug-and-produce manufacturing, CPS engineering labs, and transatlantic CPS roadmapping. From 2019 onward, their portfolio shifted decisively toward Digital Innovation Hubs, AI trustworthiness, IoT ecosystems, and continued deep involvement in the Human Brain Project's later phases. The evolution shows a clear move from building CPS technology to orchestrating its deployment at scale through innovation networks and AI-driven platforms.

fortiss is positioning itself as a go-to institute for trustworthy AI deployment and regional digital innovation hub orchestration, making them a strong partner for any project needing applied AI with industrial grounding.

How they like to work

fortiss operates overwhelmingly as a participant (23 of 26 projects), contributing specialized technical expertise to large consortia rather than leading them. Their 3 coordinator roles were all CPS-focused projects in 2015, suggesting they prefer a technically deep contributor role over administrative leadership. With 527 unique partners across 31 countries, they function as a well-connected hub — valuable for consortium builders who need a reliable German research partner with broad European networks.

fortiss has collaborated with 527 unique partners across 31 countries, making them one of the most broadly connected CPS/digital research institutes in Germany. Their network spans nearly all EU member states with strong ties to manufacturing, digital, and neuroscience communities.

What sets them apart

fortiss occupies a rare niche: they combine deep CPS and embedded systems engineering with practical SME digitisation experience through multiple Digital Innovation Hub projects. Unlike purely academic institutes, they have hands-on experience helping companies adopt CPS, AI, and IoT technologies. Their parallel involvement in the Human Brain Project adds unusual computational neuroscience capabilities that few applied research centres can match.

Highlights from their portfolio

• CPSELabs
  Their largest funded project (EUR 1.46M) as coordinator, establishing CPS Engineering Labs to accelerate real-world deployment of cyber-physical systems.
• HBP SGA3
  Culmination of a decade-long commitment to the Human Brain Project (EUR 893K), contributing to EBRAINS research infrastructure for neuroinformatics and neuromorphic computing.
• 5GCroCo
  Unusual cross-domain project combining 5G, V2X communications, and cross-border autonomous driving — demonstrating fortiss's reach beyond traditional CPS into connected mobility.