June 18, 2026. Oxaphil, a spin-off from the Technical University of Dresden (TUD), has been awarded the 2026 Saxon Startup Award in the “Newcomer of the Year” category.
The spin-off from the Technical University of Dresden (TUD) Oxaphil has been awarded the 2026 Saxon Startup Prize in the “Newcomer of the Year” category. The expert jury selected the team led by Dr. Erik Wegener, David Bonnaire, Dr. Laura Fietzke, and Leonardo Matassini from a total of 116 applications. At the Chair of Macromolecular Chemistry headed by Prof. Rainer Jordan, the researchers developed a novel class of biocompatible and synthetic polymers intended primarily for use in biomedicine, pharmacy, and materials science. The award recognizes this innovative startup initiative.
Polyoxazolines (POx) are a novel class of biocompatible and synthetic polymers. They are physically more robust, chemically more versatile, and biologically more tolerable than materials used to date, particularly polyethylene glycol (PEG). At the Chair of Macromolecular Chemistry led by Prof. Rainer Jordan, Dr. Erik Wegener, David Bonnaire, Dr. Laura Fietzke, and Leonardo Matassini conducted research over several years specifically focused on the synthesis of POx. Their idea was a novel technology that enables the production of POx as a solubilizing agent for pharmaceutical and cosmetic products on an industrial scale. This improves the solubility and stability of ingredients, resulting in more effective products.
From Idea to Application
The results in the lab were promising, so the team launched their project in early 2025 with an EXIST startup grant. With the help of validation funding from the Saxon State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labor, and Energy (SMWA), initial application tests were already underway in collaboration with industry partners.
“By scaling up the technology for producing these valuable specialty polymers, we can increase the quantities supplied and lower prices while maintaining the quality of the materials,” explains Dr. Erik Wegener, CEO of Oxaphil. “This enables us to provide partners from various industries with biocompatible polymers whose properties are tailored to customer needs. In the future, we will continue to expand these successful technologies and tap into more areas of application.”
On the path from research to spin-off, the team was supported by the TUD|Excellence Center for Innovation, Transfer and Entrepreneurship (TUD|excite) and the startup network dresden|exists. An initial business model was developed at the LifeTechLab, the incubation program for ideas in the life sciences. In addition, the TUD|excite team supported the founders in applying for the EXIST startup grant, with IP transfer, through consulting and coaching, and assisted in the search for investors.
By winning the Saxon Startup Award, the young spin-off now gains additional visibility to fuel its continued growth. It is also yet another testament to the TUD’s strength in innovation and technology transfer, which makes a direct contribution to value creation in Saxony.
Background: TUD’s Strong Track Record in Technology Transfer
For many years, TUD has been among the most innovative and technology-transfer-oriented universities in Germany. For example, the TUD is the university with the most patents in Germany and, between 2000 and 2022, filed a total of 1,683 patents and spun off 301 companies, according to a new survey by the Institute of German Economy (IW). A study on regional economic significance of TUD, which TUD commissioned from DIW Econ, a subsidiary of the German Institute for Economic Research, shows that these innovation and technology transfer activities contribute significantly to Saxony’s economic development. For example, 92 percent of the companies spun off from the university are headquartered in Dresden and make a direct contribution to value creation in the region.
About the Saxon Start-up Award:
The Saxon State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labor, Energy, and Climate Protection is awarding the Saxon State Prize for Entrepreneurship for the 26th time. The award recognizes innovative business ideas and concepts that have the potential to help shape the future of Saxony as a business location. The competition is open to all industries and technologies and offers founders the opportunity to showcase and further develop their ideas. The Saxon Startup Award is presented in three categories: “Newcomer of the Year,” “Startup of the Year,” and “Scale-up of the Year.” In addition, the special NextGen award will be presented once again.
Contact:
Dr. Erik Wegener
Oxaphil GmbH
Email:
Prof. Rainer Jordan
Chair of Macromolecular Chemistry
Dresden University of Technology
