Contact
Prof. Dr. Michael Kühl
Vice President Outreach
Phone: +49 (0)731/50-22012
Email
Knowledge and technology transfer
Ulm University puts knowledge into practice and strengthens the exchange between research, economy and society.
Networking knowledge, enabling innovation
As a civic university, Ulm University has a special connection to regional development. We see knowledge and technology transfer as a dynamic exchange with society – through research collaborations, academic consultancy, the support for start-ups or in dialogue with the public. After all, transfer is one of the most important tasks of a university alongside research and teaching, which is why it is also referred to as the “third mission”.
Our researchers transfer scientific findings into practice and bring new ideas from the field back to the laboratory. For example, they are driving forward the development of sustainable energy storage systems with innovative approaches to battery research or working on technologies in quantum science that will make future communication safer and more efficient. As part of the Science City Ulm, we cooperate closely with partners from research, economy and politics in order to actively shape the transfer of knowledge and technology in a responsible and forward-looking manner.
Our mission statement: Third Mission at Ulm University
The aims and principles for knowledge and technology transfer at Ulm University are anchored in our mission statement and guide our actions.
Universities must share their research findings with society.
Prof. Michael Kühl
Vice President Outreach
Our aim is to make knowledge accessible to everyone
Knowledge transfer is a central pillar of Ulm University's social mission. As an internationally oriented university with strong regional roots, we not only want to develop scientific knowledge, but also make it available where it is needed: in education, economy, politics and civil society.
How we shape knowledge transfer
Through active science communication, we inform the media and the public about our current research results, socially relevant topics and their application potential and bring science and society into dialogue. Our services include:
- Long Night of Science (in German only)
- Academic weeks of ZAWiW (in German only)
- Ulmer 3-Generation University (in German only)
- Programme of the Botanical Garden
- Ulmer Denkanstöße by the Humboldt Centre in Ulm (in German only)
With Citizen Science projects, we invite citizens to actively participate in research projects. The hub of these projects is the Centre for General Scientific Continuing Education (ZAWiW).
The School of Advanced Professional Studies (SAPS) offers practical, part-time degree programmes and continuing education courses in a blended learning format – for example in the future-oriented fields of data science, biotechnology or digital education.
From research to practice
Technology transfer at Ulm University brings excellent research into practice. Through close cooperation with industry and targeted support with patent applications and the founding of start-ups, scientific findings are turned into marketable products and processes.
How we support technology transfer
In close cooperation with the Institute for Secure Artificial Intelligence and the Institute of Quantum Technologies of the German Aerospace Centre, we are expanding the innovation ecosystem of the science city and promoting transfer from basic research to application.
To the website of the DLR Ulm site
The Transfer Centre for Digitalization, Analytics & Data Science Ulm (DASU), which was established in 2021, offers scientific services in the fields of data science, data analytics and AI to the regional economy. In close cooperation with companies, practice-based research questions are addressed, for example through cooperative doctoral projects with young researchers. DASU was founded by Ulm University and Ulm University of Applied Sciences together with the Ulm Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the city of Ulm and regional companies.
Together with Ulm University Hospital, the RKU - University and Rehabilitation Clinics Ulm and the Helmholtz Association, a site of the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) was founded in Ulm in 2018, where serious nerve diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and Huntington's disease are researched.
At the Ulm site of the German Centre for Child and Adolescent Health (DZKJ), basic research is translated into clinical practice through close interdisciplinary collaboration. Innovative therapies and diagnostics are developed, particularly in the fields of haematology, immunology and endocrinology, which sustainably improve the care of children and adolescents.
Since 2017, the university has strengthened its proximity to regional partners and companies through transfer networks and networking activities:
- Since 2020: StartupSÜD – promoting start-up activities through interdisciplinary teaching, practice-based advice and networking with regional and national partners
- 2020 - 2022: InnoTEACH – Practical projects for students with a focus on research projects and business challanges in the region
- 2019 - 2020: Accelerate!SÜD – Supporting students in the development of entrepreneurial skills and the implementation of start-up ideas
- Since 2017: InnoSÜD – Transfer network to promote regional innovation as part of the federal-state initiative "Innovative University" continued by the state of Baden-Württemberg
A key component of the transfer are spin-offs from the university. The start-ups not only create sustainable jobs in the region, but also strengthen Ulm as a modern and attractive business and innovation location. With the Entrepreneurs Campus, which was launched in 2022, and the StartupSÜD joint project, we are specifically strengthening technology transfer and promoting exchange and cooperation between founders in the region.
Outstanding examples of spin-offs are Transporeon, Heliatec, Ulm Photonics (now Trumpf Photonics), WI-Tec (now Oxford Instruments), N-Vision and many more.
To the overview of start-ups and founder alumni
Our services in the field of entrepreneurship
Ulm University's Entrepreneurs Campus promotes entrepreneurial thinking and action across all faculties and supports members of the university in the development of innovative ideas through start-up advice, courses to promote entrepreneurial skills and patent management.
Start-up support
From the idea to your own start-up: At the Entrepreneurs Campus, founders receive support in the form of further training, advice and important information on setting up a business.
Go to the start-up consulting (only in German, English version coming soon)
Learn entrepreneurial skills
The entrepreneurship courses are aimed at those interested in starting their own business and offer students and academics from all faculties the opportunity to acquire core knowledge and valuable career competencies.
Go to the courses (only in German, English version coming soon)
Inventions and patents
Our Patent Management supports the scientists of Ulm University in all matters relating to the protection and commercialisation of intellectual property.
Strengthening regional innovation
As the heart of the science city of Ulm, we are part of a dynamic network of universities, research institutions and high-tech companies on the “Oberer Eselsberg”. With projects such as the POLiS cluster of excellence for new battery technologies, the Entrepreneurs Campus for promoting start-ups and application-oriented research in cooperation with the DLR site in Ulm, we bring knowledge into practice – our contribution to further expanding the science city into a leading innovation hub.
More about the Science City (in German only)
Success stories from knowledge and technology transfer
Long Night of Science
StartupSÜD innovation network
AURIVUS - Successful Ulm University spin-off
Seasonal Academies of the ZaWiW - Centre for General Scientific Education
It is important to us not only to gain scientific knowledge, but also to transfer it to society. You can find out more about the importance of knowledge and technology transfer and its benefits for the entire region in the university magazine u-topics from the summer semester 2024, which focuses on start-up support and transfer.