Eight founding members from industry and research have established IGNITE e.V. at Fraunhofer HHI – an open innovation cluster for the optical networks of the future.
Berlin – On May 11, 2026, IGNITE e.V. – Intelligent Green Optical Networks Initiative – was officially founded at the Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institute (HHI) in Berlin. The cluster aims to advance the development of energy-efficient and intelligent optical networks through joint research, shared test infrastructures, and industry collaboration. The initiative is coordinated by the Fraunhofer HHI under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Ronald Freund, Head of the Photonic Networks and Systems Department.
Shared Test Infrastructure for Research and Industry
IGNITE provides its members with access to a vendor-neutral test infrastructure for complete communication networks – from metropolitan and long-distance networks to fiber-optic access networks, time-sensitive networking, and edge and cloud integration. The goal is to simplify technology testing, reduce integration efforts, and accelerate the transfer of research results into industrial applications.
Focus on Sustainability, AI, and Collaboration
The cluster brings together expertise from research and industry across three key areas:
- energy-efficient photonic networks and sustainable infrastructure concepts
- integration of AI, edge cloud technologies, and secure data spaces
- open test environments for multi-vendor validation and joint development
“IGNITE creates the foundation for transferring excellent research in optical networks into industrial applications in a fast and targeted way. Together with our founding members, we are building an ecosystem that structurally strengthens technology transfer and enhances Germany’s technological competitiveness in this strategically important field.”
Prof. Dr. Ronald Freund, Chairman of IGNITE e.V. and Head of the Photonic Networks and Systems Department at Fraunhofer HHI
First Projects Presented
During the founding event, researchers from the Fraunhofer HHI presented initial initiatives within the cluster. Dr. Behnam Shariati introduced concepts for a nationwide optical transport test infrastructure and a Telco Data Space for trusted data exchange. Dr. Johannes Fischer demonstrated how photonic networks can contribute to the green transformation of vertical sectors such as logistics and manufacturing.
Lab Tours
Following the presentations, participants had the opportunity to visit three research laboratories at Fraunhofer HHI:
- AI & Signal Processing Lab – Guided by Dr. Johannes Fischer. The lab operates an AI-driven, SDN-controlled multi-vendor testbed that replicates real-world IP and optical transport networks – enabling benchmarking, digital twins, and the privacy-preserving co-development of AI models for telecommunications providers. (Learn more)
- Quantum Key Distribution Lab – Guided by Dr. Nino Walenta. The lab develops a turnkey QKD system that harnesses the principles of quantum physics to generate tap-proof cryptographic keys resilient against future quantum computer attacks – integrating seamlessly into existing telecommunications infrastructures. (Learn more)
- Test & Measurement Lab – Guided by Dr. Colja Schubert. The lab develops high-performance test and measurement systems for coherent Tbit/s communication across the O-, S-, C-, L-, and U-bands – from optical frontends and DSP platforms to terahertz communication systems for future 6G networks. (Learn more)
Board of IGNITE e.V.
During the founding assembly, the first board of IGNITE e.V. was elected:
- Chairman – Prof. Dr. Ronald Freund
- Deputy Chairman – Jürgen Diller
- Treasurer – Dr. Joachim Giesekus
Founding Members
The following founding members participated in the constitutive meeting:
- Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute – Prof. Dr. Ronald Freund
- 1Finity Americas, Inc. – Hideki Matsui
- NTT Germany AG & Co. KG – Karsten Hauffe, Mathias Thomann
- VPIphotonics GmbH – Dr. André Richter
- atesio GmbH – Dr. Roland Wessäly
- Hyperconnectivity Campus GmbH – Christian Maasem
- Infosim GmbH & Co. KG – Dr. Stefan Köhler
- ID Photonics GmbH – David Stahl
- Jürgen Diller
- Dr. Andreas Gladisch
IGNITE e.V. is open to additional companies and research institutions. Further information is available at www.hhi.fraunhofer.de/ignite