Frank Bernhardt studied physics at the Ludwigs-Maximilians-University of Munich with a focus on biophysics and innovation management. He wrote his diploma thesis on the manufacturing and on the properties of bioresorbable coatings based on magnesium-zirconium.

During his doctorate at the RWTH Aachen University, he worked at the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology Aachen as an expert for interface and surface effects, especially with regard to manufacturing processes in forming technology, machining technology and laser technology. For his PhD thesis he investigated degradation mechanisms of coated hard metal forming tools during precision glass pressing. He co-authored several scientific publications in international research journals and was awarded the Best Paper Award at ASPEN 2013.

After completing his doctorate, Frank Bernhardt worked in the presidential staff of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in Munich, where his responsibilities included research coordination and internal research funding. As part of his work at the Fraunhofer Future Foundation, he also supervised large-scale projects set-up to build strategic patent portfolios for the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft.

Since April 2019, Frank Bernhardt is working in intellectual property at BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT.