Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd is a Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) incorporated as a not-for‐profit, limited by guarantee company that provides applied research and development services to industry. As part of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, Europe's largest organisation for applied research, Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd and its Centre for Applied Photonics (Fraunhofer CAP), is a hub for industry‐driven laser research and technology in the UK for many sectors including healthcare, security, energy, transport and space. Space activities are ramping up with a number of live UK and ESA funded projects.

​The 29 scientific, engineering and support staff and the 9 PhD and EngD students at Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd and the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics, while independent, are part of a growing community of Fraunhofer Centres globally. Fraunhofer has more than 25,000 employees in more than 80 research units (including 71 Institutes) in Germany alone, and is establishing Centres throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Fraunhofer UK Research ltd is able to collaborate with this strong Fraunhofer expertise network where appropriate.