TUD Innovation Pool
The aim of the TUD Innovation Pool is to provide flexible and rapid funding to validate results from research and development projects for practical commercial application. For example, the functionality in an application-relevant scenario and on an industrial scale is to be made visible, specific companies are to be identified and approached for later use and the economic potential of the application is to be evaluated.
TU Dresden has therefore received a grant from the European Regional Development Fund ERDF (funding code SAB: 100783985). With that support the TUD Innovation Pool can be continued until end of 2028).
The TUD Innovation Pool will provide short-term funding for the validation of research results. These are awarded independently and directly by TUD|excite and EPC to TUD projects.
With the TUD Innovation Pool, the TUD aims in particular to promote the commercial exploitation of existing TUD intellectual property (patents, software, secret processes or materials) and to support spin-offs.
Current note (as of 01.03.2026):
The current funding period ends on 31.12.2028. Incoming project applications will be processed in the order in which they are received. Depending on the planned duration, a start should be made to ensure that the project is completed by 31.10.2028.
Information on content and the application process can be found here.
TIP key points
Validation refers to the targeted manner of checking the achievability of technical or economic parameters by a research result that typically exists on a laboratory scale. Technical validation refers to whether parameters specified by the potential users of the future product or by legal standards can be achieved. Economic validation refers to whether there can be customers for a product based on the research result and whether the product can be manufactured economically.
The TIP is aimed at projects
- for the validation of a research result
- on the basis of an existing proof-of-principle
- with a clear application reference and ideally already identified potential users
- preferably with existing patents or other copyright laws
- with a verifiable refinancing potential of the funding through the sale or licensing of the results to an existing company or spin-off or through the use of the results for contract research projects
- Application without deadlines or cut-off dates
- Flexible design of validation projects
- Quick decision on application
- Immediate project start possible after positive decision
- Agile adjustment of objectives and use of funds during the term
- Accompanying advice on the development of an IP portfolio
- Project support from the innovation and startup experts at TUD|excite
Contact person for questions and applications
© Sven Ellger/TUD
Annegret Wolf
Innovation Management
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