JOANNEUM RESEARCH FORSCHUNGSGESELLSCHAFT MBH

Their core work

JOANNEUM RESEARCH is an applied research institute in Graz, Austria, bridging the gap between laboratory science and industrial deployment across multiple technology domains. Their core work spans printed and flexible electronics, environmental monitoring (especially climate services and forest management), energy systems integration, and digital media technologies. They are especially strong in translating advanced materials and sensor technologies into manufacturing-ready processes, while also contributing significantly to climate and environmental policy research through Earth observation and data analytics.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2015–2018), JOANNEUM RESEARCH focused heavily on advanced materials, printed electronics, automotive sensors, and fundamental geoscience (isotopes, mass spectrometry, brachiopods). From 2019 onward, the portfolio shifted toward sustainability-oriented work — additive manufacturing, augmented reality applications, energy harvesting for wearables, and research/innovation policy analysis. This evolution reflects a move from materials-centric R&D toward applied sustainability solutions and digital transformation.

JOANNEUM RESEARCH is pivoting toward sustainability-driven innovation and policy advisory work, making them increasingly relevant for green transition and digital twin projects.

How they like to work

Predominantly a consortium partner (59 of 70 projects) rather than a coordinator (9), JOANNEUM RESEARCH contributes deep technical expertise without needing to lead. With 887 unique partners across 46 countries, they operate as a highly connected hub — open to diverse consortia rather than locked into repeat partnerships. Their near-equal split between Innovation Actions (29) and Research & Innovation Actions (28) shows they are comfortable at both the research frontier and closer-to-market demonstration stages.

An exceptionally well-connected organization with 887 unique consortium partners spanning 46 countries, placing them among the most networked applied research centers in H2020. Their geographic reach is pan-European with no strong single-country bias, making them a natural connector in multinational consortia.

What sets them apart

JOANNEUM RESEARCH stands out for its rare combination of deep materials science expertise with strong environmental and climate services capability — a pairing few applied research centers offer. Their 70-project portfolio spanning manufacturing, energy, environment, and digital media makes them a versatile consortium partner who can contribute across work packages rather than filling a single niche. For Austrian organizations, they represent one of the most internationally embedded research partners in the country, with credibility across both technology development and policy-relevant research.

Highlights from their portfolio

• R2R Biofluidics
  Their largest coordinated project (EUR 2.4M) demonstrating roll-to-roll nanofabrication for bioanalytical devices — shows their ability to lead ambitious manufacturing scale-up efforts.
• INSPIRED
  Coordinated industrial-scale production of nanomaterials (nanocopper, silver nanowires, graphene) for printed devices — a flagship project defining their printed electronics identity.
• Torero
  Large-scale demonstration (EUR 623K contribution, running to 2024) of torrefied wood biomass for bioethanol — their longest-running project bridging energy and circular bioeconomy.