The Innovation Grants in Science and Life Science enable the feasibility of translating research results into practical applications (proof of concept) to be tested. Young scientists should be given the opportunity to translate the findings of their doctoral theses into usable processes, services, or products. Eligible projects must offer the prospect that the results will be commercially exploited during the course of the funding period. Cooperation with commercial institutions is welcomed as a possible exploitation option, especially as this can open up alternative career paths. However, the company's serious interest in the proposed project should be documented (e.g., letter of intent (LoI), ongoing cooperation negotiations, cooperation agreement). Projects that aim to conduct a clinical study cannot be funded under this program.
We expressly point out that this funding program focuses primarily on economic viability and not on the scientific prospects of success.
Doctoral students and postdocs who are members or affiliates of the university are eligible to apply, provided that they are also based at the university (see §§7 and 8 of the Grundordnung)
Applications may be submitted no earlier than six months before and no later than three years after completion of the doctoral program. As this is a postdoctoral funding program, funding can only begin once the doctoral program has been officially completed with the receipt of the certificate. The project must begin within six months of approval, otherwise the funding will expire. The project must be carried out and the transfer of knowledge finalized at the University of Tübingen and may not be carried out at any other institution (with the exception of affiliated institutes). The application must be supported by a professor in terms of content, accommodation, and infrastructure. The Innovation Grants are a person-related and not a project-related funding program, i.e., if the funded person leaves the University of Tübingen, the funding from the Innovation Grant expires.
Innovation Grants are awarded for a maximum of 24 months. After this period, the project must be completed or implemented externally. Funding is provided for the applicant's position as well as for a staff position or student assistants, and for material and investment costs.
The electronic database will be activated on February 1st, and August 1st
Deadline: February 28th and August 31st of each year
Please respect the deadlines: All required letters and forms with the original signatures should be available by the relevant date and, in addition to uploading in the application database, should be submitted in paper form.
Contact address for submitting applications:
Applications are to be uploaded into the electronic database and submitted in printed form to Dr. Nora von Ameln, Zentrale Verwaltung, Dez. II, Rümelinstr. 32.
If you have any questions, please contact the Industry Liaison Office:
Cover page with title, name and institute, contact details
Detailed description of the project to turn research results into a commercial exploitation (process, service, prototype, product). Possible external partners must be named, and their expression of interest in the project must be documented (Annex)
Objective of funding: long-term cooperation between companies, licensing/patenting, company foundation, etc.
Schedule for the implementation of the project, including milestones and financial planning
Indication of follow-up financing, if required (e.g. external funding programs)
Attachments:
Abstract: Project summary, action plan, market relevance, the project’s innovation potential (for publication – max. 1 page Arial 11, single-spaced), two versions: German and English
Resume and list of publications, and the applicant’s perspective for the future
Written confirmation from the supervising professor of his/her support and confirmation that he/she will ensure the project has the necessary venue and infrastructure during the funding period
Assurance that in case of premature termination of the project, any non-scientific personnel hired will be taken over by the working group for the duration of the contract
One positive assessment from representatives of your discipline
One letter of support from external cooperation partners - documented serious interest in the project (e.g. Letter of Intent, ongoing collaboration negotiation, collaboration agreement)
Form “Declaration and fact sheet” in Downloads filled out and signed by the Dean´s office and the Institute Director
If a commercial spin-off project is planned, a business plan of about 5 pages is required, which also belongs to the attachment. Notes for the successful development of a business plan can be found here: https://www.existenzgruendungsportal.de/Navigation/EN/Home/home or downloaded from the BIOPRO.
Furthermore, the Industry Liaison Office of the University of Tübingen offers consultation previous to applications. It is strongly recommended to make use of this consulting offer in advance. All applications are subject to a formal eligibility check by the Industry Liaison Office upon receipt. If the transfer aspect ist not sufficiently considered in the application, it will not be submitted for review.
Applications will be appraised and approved by external academic referees with input from industry consultants. The Grants will be awarded in a competitive process to ensure that the projects have innovative potential and a good chance of success. The award is made by the rectorate. Please refrain from proposing reviewers for your project. Successful applications will demonstrate:
Clear innovative content and economic viability,
Entrepreneurial ability and feasibility,
Prospects for the realization and sustainability of the project,
Academic / scientific quality: relevance, originality and timeliness of the fundamental work
