A strategic meeting for innovation: WUST delegation visits TU Dresden

TUD Dresden welcomes delegation from TUD Dresden University of Technology in Wroclaw: promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary research

The recent visit of a high-level delegation from the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (WUST) to the TU Dresden (TUD) underlined the commitment of both universities to promoting innovation, research-based entrepreneurship and a vibrant start-up culture. During the two-day program, the guests gained insight into the structural support of innovation at TUD through units such as TUD | excite and SaxoCell.

Focus on innovation

On 4 and 5 March 2026, TUD Dresden had the honor of welcoming a high-ranking delegation from the Wroclaw University of Technology (WUST) in Poland. The delegation, led by Prof. Piotr Młynarz (Vice-Rector for Organization and Infrastructure), who represented his colleague Prof. Renata Krzyżyńska (Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation), included key figures from the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship: Damian Derlukiewicz (Deputy Director, Center for Innovation and Business), Prof. Daoud (Robert) Iskander (Faculty of Fundamental Problems of Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering), Anna Górecka (Director, Academic Business Incubator) and Katarzyna Błaszczak-Świątkiewicz (Director, Support Center for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine).

The purpose of the visit was to facilitate an intensive exchange on building solid framework conditions for innovation, promoting research-based entrepreneurship and fostering a dynamic start-up culture in the university context.

Exploring innovation ecosystems and entrepreneurial support

The delegation was warmly welcomed at the TUD|excite Innovation Hub, TU Dresden's central unit for innovation and entrepreneurial support. The Vice-Rector for Research and Transfer, Prof. Angela Rösen-Wolff, also attended the introductory networking lunch and later in the day, together with the head of the International Office, entered into an open dialog with Vice-Rector Młynarz about future cooperation.

© Maike Heber

The program began with presentations from both TUD|excite and WUST, followed by a lively discussion on institutional strategies to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. This exchange formed the basis for a series of parallel afternoon sessions, each focusing on key aspects of an innovation ecosystem at universities.

The second day of the visit focused on the interdisciplinary research center Centre for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), as well as a meeting with representatives of SaxoCell, an innovation cluster at the forefront of cell and gene therapy. SaxoCell was founded as part of the "Cluster4Future" initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and is led by TU Dresden with significant participation from the CRTD. The mission of SaxoCell is to develop safe, efficient and affordable cell and gene therapies - so-called "living drugs" - for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases and regenerative diseases.

In conclusion, both institutions expressed optimism about the prospects for future collaboration. The visit underlined the value of international exchange in fostering a fertile environment for innovation initiatives, start-ups and interdisciplinary projects.

© Maike Heber