German-Japanese Research Alliance for Biomedical Applications with Focus on Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

The aim of the “OCTmapp” project is to build up a permanent research infrastructure and a research network for biophotonics in Japan. The project focusses initially on the further development of OCT technology as an imaging modality for new medical applications.

Coordinator of the project is the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT, which has a longterm expertise in this field and takes technical leadership within Fraunhofer in the field of optical metrology and especially in OCT. The Institute for Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science (ABMES) in Japan, is a central research unit of the Tokyo Women’s Medical University (TWMU) which is one of the most renowned medical institutions in Japan with worldwide reputation and visibility. The ABMES will mainly contribute the clinical experience. The transfer into practice is supported by Fraunhofer Center for International Management and Knowledge Economy IMW.

Following intended facilities will be financed by the acquired third party funds and joint R&D projects from industry partners as well as license revenues.

  • OCT Innovation Lab (Site of Research)
  • OCT Competence Center for Medical Applications (Research Cooperation Unit)

Additionally, there will be established a German-Japanese Research Alliance for Biophotonics at the Tokyo Women’s Medical University (TWMU) for the integration of further partners. Prof. Ken Masamune, who belongs to the Faculty for Techno-Surgery (FATS), will support the research facility at ABMES.

The targeted network structure is as follows:

Companies that are interested in participating in the network are welcome to get in contact with the members of the “OCTmapp” project team.