Innovative software expertise for modern security systems
Conflicts are no longer confined to the traditional battlefield – they are increasingly taking place in the digital sphere. Cyber defense is now a central component of modern strategies and requires innovative approaches. Digitalization, networked systems, and increasing demands for autonomy, cyber resilience, and reliable software architectures are opening up completely new possibilities for defense technologies.
fortiss addresses these security- and technology-related challenges with practical, innovative solutions, making future-ready technologies accessible. We combine scientific and technical expertise with methodological know-how—qualities that make us a reliable partner for public institutions and organizations that rely on secure, resilient, and forward-looking systems.
From concept and development through the complete Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), we support our partners in every project phase, delivering tailored, robust solutions. We work closely with academia, industry, and public organizations, participate in national and EU projects, and contribute our expertise in software methodology as well as regulatory and security-related compliance.
In addition, we help organizations build software as a strategic capability. We support traditionally hardware-focused industries in developing essential digital skills and software knowledge, enabling them to successfully create future-ready, innovative products and systems.
fortiss provides scientifically grounded potential analyses and specialized studies that take into account the requirements of defense, security, and aerospace technologies.
In customer-specific workshops, we analyze individual challenges, identify optimization potential, and develop innovative solutions for areas such as AI, robotics, model-based systems engineering, and advanced sensor systems.
The results serve as a strategic basis for the development of concrete prototypes and the initiation of cooperation projects to secure the technological leadership of our partners.
fortiss is an independent research institute that ensures neutrality and objectivity for defense and aerospace applications, while actively supporting industry partners in successfully translating cutting-edge technologies into practice.
Within the framework of industrial contract research, fortiss develops tailor-made concepts and delivers functional prototypes (TRL 5–6) that are tested and validated under realistic operating conditions. fortiss translates innovative ideas into concrete demonstrators, accelerates their transfer into practice, and creates the conditions for rapid industrial application. Collaboration takes place in bilateral partnerships or in larger national and international funding projects, with the latest research results in software development, AI, and advanced system solutions being applied in a targeted manner.
The institute has extensive expertise in standards that are particularly relevant to the defense and aerospace industries, such as DO-178C / EUROCAE ED-12C and the European Cyber Resilience Act. The institute supports its partners in implementing regulatory requirements and methods for cybersecurity compliance. In addition, fortiss has in-depth experience in safety-related analysis methods such as FTA (fault tree analysis), FMEA (failure mode and effects analysis), and STPA (system theory analysis).
fortiss handles all software engineering based on specific simulation environments and enables partners to explore, test, and evaluate new approaches to software-intensive systems in defense and aerospace—which has a direct impact on efficient procurement and faster implementation of innovative technologies.
At fortiss Labs, we quickly and purposefully develop market-ready prototypes for key technologies such as neuromorphic computing and sensing, model-based systems engineering, and software testing. The Robotics Lab, for example, provides state-of-the-art platforms, simulation environments, and software tools for developing and optimizing innovative robot systems and autonomous control algorithms. Companies benefit from a first-class testing environment where they can test and further develop their solutions under realistic conditions.
The range of services includes:
Do you have questions about our offerings, are you looking for an innovative software solution in the field of security and protection systems or aerospace applications, or do you already have concrete ideas?
With its expertise in software and systems engineering, fortiss supports the defense sector with innovative, research-based solutions. In doing so, aspects such as safety and reliability standards, compliance, robust system architectures, and real-time capabilities are taken into consideration. Fortiss’ expertise spans software development, system integration, and simulation and testing environments that accelerate technology transfer.
Software and systems engineering
fortiss core competence lies in supporting continuous, seamless analysis (e.g. requirements engineering, safety analysis), design, development and quality assurance (e.g., automated testing, formal verification) of software-defined systems as well as continuous regulatory compliance approaches with particular attention to security.
Model-based Software and Systems engineering
fortiss’ expertise in methodologies (e.g., SPES), design automation (formal methods, (co-) simulation, AI), and standards (e.g., SysML, FMI), can help to overcome the complexity of defence systems and meet their dependability and resilience goals (e.g., architecture analysis, reuse, product-line engineering, model quality management).
Supply chain management
Regulatory compliance, especially under the CRA, extends beyond individual products to complex digital ecosystems. We conduct research on design-for manufacturing approaches as well as using GenAI-enabled systems in such ecosystems, allowing for holistic asset inventorisation and the management of complex security-critical supply chains.
With its expertise in AI-supported, energy-efficient, and real-time critical technologies, fortiss strengthens the aerospace industry in key future fields. The institute addresses the challenges of space – from limited energy and computing resources to strict safety and communication requirements. With specialized expertise in neuromorphic processing, event-based perception, edge AI, and robotic autonomy, fortiss enables genuine technological innovation.
In the binational PlaTFoRm project, fortiss and partners from Germany and the UK are developing practical testing methods that detect faults in safety-critical systems—from autonomous vehicles to medical devices—at an early stage of development, thereby avoiding costly failures.
With the completion of the ELEANOR project, fortiss demonstrates how neuromorphic computing and event-based sensor technology can advance energy-efficient and precise robot control in real time.
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