Entrepreneurship

TU Bergakademie Freiberg: New TUBAF Innovation Center Established

October 1, 2026. How do innovations and new technologies from the academic world find their way into practical applications? With the new “TUBAF Innovation Center,” TU Bergakademie Freiberg is pooling its expertise to support researchers along this path. At the same time, this center for technology transfer and startup support serves as a central point of contact for companies seeking scientific expertise, looking to initiate collaborations with the university, or aiming to put new technologies into practical use. The university also expects this new structure to provide additional momentum for business and innovation, particularly in Central Saxony. On September 29, 2026, the center officially began operations.

Photo: TU Bergakademie Freiberg

Technology Transfer, Startup Support, and Intellectual Property Rights—All Under One Roof

At the outset, it is often unclear whether a collaboration with a company, a patent, or a spin-off is the right path for a research idea. The newly established center therefore brings together the Technology Transfer Office, the Startup Advisory Service, and the Intellectual Property Department. This allows different commercialization pathways to be considered jointly from the very beginning. Companies also gain centralized access to scientific expertise and collaboration opportunities at TU Bergakademie Freiberg.

“Research projects, in particular, give rise to technologies and ideas that serve as a source of innovation for established industries and new companies. With the TUBAF Innovation Center, we can directly address issues related to intellectual property rights, commercialization, and startup formation, thereby strengthening the impact and returns for the Bergakademie,” says Prof. Dr. Martin Bertau, Vice Rector for Research and Transfer.

A Strong Foundation for the New Structure

The new center builds on the university’s successful transfer activities. According to a recent analysis by the German Economic Institute (IW), TUBAF files approximately 24 patent applications per 1,000 students per year; the nationwide average for universities in Germany is around two patent applications. TUBAF is also among the most successful small universities in terms of startup support: In the “Startup Radar 2025,” it ranks among the top group nationwide. The new center is now intended to integrate these strengths more closely and incorporate technology transfer earlier into research processes. The TUBAF Innovation Center is led by Dr. Stephan Meschke and André Uhlmann.

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