How do innovations and new technologies from the world of science find their way into practical application? With the new ‘TUBAF Innovation Center’, the TU Bergakademie Freiberg is pooling its expertise to support researchers on this journey. At the same time, this center for technology transfer and start-ups provides a central point of contact for companies seeking scientific expertise, wishing to initiate collaborations with the university or looking to put new technologies into practice. The university also expects the new structure to provide additional impetus for business and innovation, particularly in Central Saxony. On 29 September 2026, the centre officially commenced operations.
“Our research should make an impact where new solutions are needed – in businesses, in the region and in society. We see this as a major opportunity, particularly for Central Saxony. Through the TUBAF Innovation Center, we aim to help ensure that scientific findings more frequently lead to new technologies, collaborations and start-ups,” says Rector Prof. Dr Jutta Emes.
Technology transfer, start-ups and intellectual property rights under one roof
It is often not clear at the outset 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 start-up advisory service and the intellectual property department. This allows different commercialisation pathways to be considered jointly right from the start. Companies also gain centralised 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 industry and new businesses. With the TUBAF Innovation Center, we can address issues relating to intellectual property rights, commercialisation and start-ups right from the outset, 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 records around 24 patent applications per 1,000 students per year; whilst the average for universities across Germany is around two patent applications. TUBAF is also among the most successful small universities when it comes to supporting start-ups: in the ‘Start-up Radar 2025’, it ranks among the top group nationwide. The new center is now set to integrate these strengths more closely and incorporate knowledge transfer at an earlier stage in research processes. The TUBAF Innovation Center is headed by Dr Stephan Meschke and André Uhlmann.
