Michigan Business Luncheon Series

Adapting R&D to an Ever-Changing World

Fraunhofer USA, based in Plymouth, MI, has been conducting applied research for customers in diverse industries as well as for the federal and state governments since its founding in 1994. The company uses its vast global network to face challenges head-on and develop innovative tech solutions, including for the automotive sector.

Join our virtual Business Luncheon on April 21 at 10:45am CT (11:45am ET), where Dr. Sebastian Wicklein, Lead Corporate R&D Coordination and Russell Zarras, Marketing & Communications Manager will outline Fraunhofer USA’s strategic research areas and core technologies in the US and dive into research case studies in the automotive industry.

They will also present information on Fraunhofer’s TechBridge and State Alliance programs, which support individual companies and US states with technical validation projects and navigating rapid change in manufacturing technology.

Register now

Agenda

10:45am CT Networking
11:00am CT Presentation
11:45am CT Q&A

About the Speakers

Dr. Sebastian Wicklein, Lead Corporate R&D Coordination
As Lead of the Corporate R&D Coordination Sebastian works to support all Fraunhofer USA R&D activities, represent Fraunhofer USA in R&D-related organizations and alliances in the US as well as in Germany and help develop the corporate R&D strategy. Sebastian has extensive experience in corporate and academic R&D in the areas of thin film technology, semiconductor manufacturing and computational materials science.

Russell Zarras, Marketing & Communications Manager
Russell Zarras is the Marketing and Communications Manager for Fraunhofer USA. Russell is an experienced technologist who works to educate partners and customers on how new technologies can improve their businesses. A physicist by training, Russell is just as happy working in laboratories as in board rooms making him a great point of contact for getting to know the large Fraunhofer Organization.

About Fraunhofer USA

Fraunhofer USA, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to the advancement of applied research. Fraunhofer USA was founded to conduct applied R & D for customers from industry and state governments and the federal government in the United States. Partnering with Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Europe's largest application- oriented research and development organization, Fraunhofer USA can offer both domestic and international resources to our customers. For more information on Fraunhofer USA, please visit www.fraunhofer.org or find us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About the Business Luncheon Series

Our recurring Michigan Business Luncheon Series is designed for the German-American business community in Michigan and the greater Midwest, and generously supported by our Michigan Business Luncheon Sponsors, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Rödl & Partner. At each Business Luncheon, you can learn from leading experts and connect directly with peers on topics that matter most to your business. Check out our Past Business Luncheons to learn more about the series and our previous speakers & topics.

About GACC Midwest

GACC Midwest provides German companies with market entry support, business development and a large professional German-American member network in the US. We are your reliable partner to foster connections between German and US businesses and to support growth among key industries such as manufacturing, automotive, energy, medical, F&B and beyond.