Seizing opportunities together
In a rapidly evolving world, the transfer of research results to industry is crucial for progress. Technological solutions and services from KIT can only realize their full potential when applied by an industrial partner and its customers. Supporting researchers in their search for the right industrial partner is therefore a critical step towards innovation. It is not just about finding a partner who has technical understanding and interest in scientific developments, but one who also shares the vision and drive to create something new together. We offer strategic and operational support to KIT scientific employees in this challenge.
We build bridges to industry
We support you in the areas of marketing, sales and project initiation. Our advisory service is open to all scientific employees who are looking for the right cooperation partner for their research. The aim is to generate a trusting collaboration – be it for cooperation projects, contract research or technology licensing. We accompany you from the first contact to the conclusion of the contract.
An excerpt from our support services:
- Company and market research
- Establishing and developing contacts with potential partners
- Support during discussions with interested parties
- Organization of transfer-oriented events at KIT
- Sales activities at networking events, trade fairs and in the social media
- Matching of inquiries from industry to KIT institutes
- Establishing contacts with regional networks and associations
- Support and assistance with appearances at trade fairs
Forms of cooperation
Cooperation with commercial enterprises and other external partners is possible at various levels. The basic forms of cooperation and the most important information on commercialization projects can be found in the official guidelines on technology transfer at KIT.
Contract research, contract for work and services
An important type of cooperation between science and industry is contract research (research service, contract for work and services), in which KIT is the contractor. The contract defines the purpose and the method of implementation. The negotiations for contract research are conducted under the leadership of DE Purchasing, Sales and Materials Management (EVM).
Examples:
- Research/development contract according to the client's specification
- Characterization of materials/samples provided by the client according to previously defined criteria
- Simulations using KIT software
Research cooperation
Another type of cooperation is funded research cooperation, in which KIT is an equal research partner and contributes its own services. If at least one of the cooperation partners receives a public grant, it is a publicly funded research cooperation. For cooperation agreements and any infrastructure usage agreements, the DE Legal Affairs (RECHT) is responsible for the contract negotiation phase.
If technologies protected by KIT are in use, KIT licenses intellectual property to industrial partners at standard market conditions. RECHT and the patent team work closely together to regulate the terms and conditions of intellectual property as part of the KIT third-party funding process.
Examples:
- Cooperation in the field of open-ended basic research
- BMBF/EU-funded project with KIT as funding recipient
We will be happy to advise you on a number of funding programs in the field of technology transfer and innovation.
Technology transfer project
To strengthen technology transfer, KIT has developed the NEULAND technology transfer project model. KIT and an industrial partner develop a technical solution or application-oriented research results and developments up to the pre-development stage of a product or process. The aim is for the industrial partner to launch the product on the market. The research and development work is carried out within the framework of a cooperation and license agreement with an industrial partner. The licensing team at IRM is your contact for the formalities of the technology transfer project.
Example:
- Product or process development up to product maturity
Do you already have interested parties from industry and would like to develop your technology to market maturity? In a consultation, we can clarify how financing can be made possible.
To the contact person
We offer various events for scientific employees interested in transfer and start-ups. Visit us online for the latest information.
To the events
Comprehensive information on technology transfer at KIT and the forms of cooperation can be found in the “Guidelines for Technology Transfer at KIT”.
Download hereSoft skills for the first meeting with an industry partner
Trade fairs and networking events are valuable points of contact for you to approach potential industry partners and establish initial contact. Our communication tips for scientific employees can help you to present yourself and your expertise in the best possible way.
RESEARCH TO BUSINESS
We support you in the areas of communication and social media so that potential industry partners hear about your technical solution. We actively search for industry partners, particularly with the help of technology offers.
To the communication services
Impulses via networks
Through targeted feedback, networking events and matching platforms, researchers are supported in finding the right industrial partner and seizing opportunities together.
Industry and KIT have been working together in the KIT Business Club for many years. The KIT relations managers support you in getting in touch with the central contact persons from R&D/innovation of the member companies.
To the club
Benefit from the current industry knowledge, know-how and entrepreneurial expertise of the dedicated Industry Experts – all KIT alumni who support the technology transfer at KIT with consulting opportunities on a voluntary basis.
To the possibilities
Karlsruhe offers a very future-oriented, active environment for technology transfer. We will be happy to put you in touch with other contacts, e.g. the Karlsruhe Chamber of Industry and Commerce or the Karlsruhe TechnologyRegion (TRK).
To the community