Turning Ideas into Businesses
From lab to market: As one of Germany’s most start-up-friendly universities, we offer an ideal environment for start-ups and entrepreneurship. Together, we bring scientific results to practical application!
In the Stifterverband’s Start-up Radar, TU Dortmund University regularly ranks among the top ten of Germany’s major universities. This outstanding result is no coincidence: for many years now, we have been methodically supporting students and researchers accompanying every step of their journey toward founding a company. From the initial consultation to the actual launch of a business, we assist interested individuals with expertise and infrastructure. In addition, we provide access to valuable networks and offer financial support to start-ups. This ensures that creative minds receive the support they need to turn good ideas into innovative concepts with market potential. And just like that, visions are transformed into real-life solutions for the society of tomorrow.
How We Are Promoting Start-up Culture
Support for Start-ups
The Center for Entrepreneurship & Transfer (CET) helps turn good ideas into entrepreneurial success – and has been officially recognized for excellence: In 2019, the CET was awarded the title of Excellence Start-up Center.NRW. Our BRYCK Start-up Alliance is specifically aimed at technology-oriented start-ups and is establishing an innovation hub for the deep-tech sector in the Ruhr area.
A Technology Park
The TechnologieZentrumDortmund was founded right next to our campus in 1985. It served as the starting point for the development of one of Europe’s largest technology parks: more than 300 companies are based here. An ideal environment for founders looking for rental space, start-up assistance, or collaboration partners!
Tackling Future-Oriented Topics
From artificial intelligence to the 6G mobile communications standard: In focus centers and specialized incubators, we and our partners promote key technologies for the future. In doing so, we bring science, start-ups, and industry together to bridge the gap between excellent research and practical application. This creates fresh momentum for technology-oriented start-ups.
TU capital: Seed Funding for Start-ups
TU capital offers seed funding combined with mentoring. The venture capital seed fund is aimed at start-ups and spin-offs from TU Dortmund University that are in the process of being founded or have just been founded. As an early-stage investor, we provide financial support to research-based start-up projects—and also encourage other investors to get involved.
It’s All about the Network
Strong networks are key in every start-up success. Whether start-ups are looking for collaborators, industry partners for demonstration projects, investors, or mentors: our events and programs bring people together so they can achieve great things together!
Innoclub is an exclusive network that specifically strengthens innovation in Dortmund and the Westphalian Ruhr area. In the club room, located at the TechnologieZentrumDortmund, selected start-ups and scale-ups regularly meet with established small and medium sized enterprizes (SMEs) and corporations.
At Greenhouse Ruhr, impactful ideas take root. The fellowship program for social and ecological start-up ideas offers financial support, expertise, and valuable connections to experts from local and regional companies, associations, and institutions. The CET at TU Dortmund University provides targeted support to founders by assisting them to develop their ideas further.
The CET’s start-up program supports women on their path to founding a business. In addition to coaching, in-kind resources, and a grant, participants receive numerous opportunities to engage with other women interested in starting a business as well as successful female entrepreneurs.
Outstanding Ideas
Outstanding ideas deserve recognition! That’s why we regularly honor start-up and technology transfer teams that boldly forge ahead and dare to try something new—whether with an innovative product or a forward-looking business model. Our goal: to recognize entrepreneurship within the scientific community and provide financial support through attractive prize money.
The best teams at TU Dortmund University face off in an exciting pitch contest. Their goal is to convince not only a jury of renowned experts and founders of their idea, but also the audience. A total of 14,000 Euro is up for grabs.
As part of our “Zukunftsdialog” (Dialog for the Future) lecture series, we present the Dr. Michael Brenscheidt Transfer Prize every two years. With this award, TU Dortmund University recognizes outstanding achievements in research transfer that drive social and technological transformation. The prize money of 10,000 Euro is donated by Dortmund-based business lawyer Dr. Michael Brenscheidt.
Six research ideas, 42,000 Euro in prize money: The “Forum Junge Spitzenforschung” (Forum Young Top-Level Research) is a competition for application ideas stemming from research. Sponsored by the Stiftung Industrieforschung (Industrial Research Foundation), the prize is specifically aimed at early-career researchers.
Do you have a groundbreaking idea or research results with market potential? Would you like to get a start-up underway after graduation or successfully bring your invention to market? Then CET is the right place for you!
We are offering:
- individual consulting
- structured support
- access to innovative infrastructure
- access to strong networks
Get Started Now!
Technology transfer and start-ups – CET supports you every step of the way: Together, we make knowledge efficient and effective!