and Prof. Dr. Thomas Wiegand signing the
memorandum of understanding.
© Fraunhofer HHI
Berlin – How can modern communication technologies help improve healthcare, making it more efficient and safer? This is the central question that Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI) aim to explore together in greater depth. With a memorandum of understanding signed today, the two institutions are laying the groundwork for a close partnership in research, technology transfer, and innovation.
An aging population, increasing demand for medical care, and a growing shortage of skilled professionals are placing significant strain on hospitals. Charité and Fraunhofer HHI intend to address these challenges through a joint initiative to accelerate the digital transformation of healthcare. The focus is on developing wireless communication technologies to optimize medical processes — from digital diagnostics to robot-assisted therapy. Technologies such as 5G and 6G, for example, enable more efficient resource utilization, support healthcare professionals through automated workflows, and open new care pathways — including telemedicine, mobile diagnostics, and AI-assisted support systems. These innovations can help maintain quality of care, reduce wait times, and ease the burden on medical staff.
Communication Technologies to Improve Patient Care
"Digitalization plays a key role in addressing the growing challenges in healthcare," emphasizes Prof. Heyo K. Kroemer, Chief Executive Officer of Charité. "By integrating modern communication technologies into daily clinical practice, we open up new possibilities for diagnostics, therapy, and care processes — directly benefiting our patients."
The Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI), a major contributor to 5G and 6G research at both national and European levels, brings extensive scientific and technical expertise in wireless communication technologies to the partnership. It also serves as the coordinator of the “6G-RIC – Research and Innovation Cluster.”
“Our collaboration with Charité enables us to test and further develop cutting-edge communication technologies like 5G and 6G in real-world medical settings. Together, we are creating an innovation ecosystem that not only drives research forward but also delivers concrete solutions for patient-centered medicine of the future. Bridging technology and medicine is a true driver of innovation,” says Prof. Slawomir Stanczak, Head of the Wireless Communications and Networks Department at Fraunhofer HHI.
Bringing Innovation into Practice
The partnership also aims to promote spin-offs in high-tech sectors, helping translate theoretical innovations into practical applications. Another key component of the collaboration will be the active support and development of early-career professionals.
Berlin offers an ideal environment for this initiative: In recent years, the city has established itself as a hub for 5G/6G and health research. Now, it is poised to become a strong network center for the digital medicine of tomorrow.
About Fraunhofer HHI:
Fraunhofer HHI (Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich-Hertz-Institut) is a world-leading research institute shaping the digital future. It drives innovations in video, AI, computer vision, photonics, and wireless communication—developing technologies that impact science, business, and society.
The institute delivers practical solutions with social value across diverse fields, including medicine, agriculture, critical infrastructure, disaster response, energy, and mobility.
