Saxon Transfer Forum 2025 in Chemnitz

The Saxon Transfer Forum 2025 focused on a central question: how can strong research from Saxony be successfully translated into real-world applications. Despite Germany’s internationally recognised research performance, a significant gap remains between academic output and market-ready technologies. Keynotes by Hans Hennig von Grünberg and Uwe Cantner highlighted that technological excellence alone is not sufficient. Market demand, team structure, funding and clear IP frameworks play a decisive role in determining whether a project reaches application.

A key element of the event was the Innovation Readiness Level. Using the six dimensions Technology, Business, IP, Team, Funding and Customer, participants learned how to realistically assess the maturity of their projects. The framework provided structured guidance to evaluate the current status and derive the next development steps. It became clear that an honest understanding of a project’s readiness is essential for successful transfer.

The programme was complemented by founding stories at the Spin Off Brunch and a practical panel on financing strategies with Roger Dorsch and Carsten Fietz. These contributions showed that funding, communication and clear responsibilities are as important as technical expertise.

Overall, the forum demonstrated that knowledge transfer succeeds when challenges are addressed openly and pathways to overcoming them are made visible. Effective ecosystems arise when universities, transfer offices, investors and founding teams work together rather than sequentially.