The Center of Excellence at TUD Dresden University of Technology (TUD|excite) is once again bringing together bright minds, exciting ideas and unused patents this summer. From August 25 to 29, 2025, Hoyerswerda will once again become a creative development space for young international talent. The International TUD|excite Summer School is the hotspot for anyone who wants to turn science into real business - right in the heart of the structural change region of Lusatia.

The motto of this year's event is once again "Patents in Search of New Business " - and that's exactly what it's all about: Attractive patents from the fields of life sciences, sensor technology & photophysics, for example, are given new impetus by fresh start-up ideas. International and interdisciplinary scientists work closely together. All of this is part of the Zuse Innovators Program (Z-IP), which is dedicated to the goal of further developing and promoting innovations based on patents.

This year, around 30 young researchers from Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, England, Italy, France and India are once again taking part in the program to work together on business models, develop creative concepts and gain initial experience in an entrepreneurial environment. They will be supported by a dedicated team of innovation experts, start-up coaches and entrepreneurs from the region.

At the end of the week, the participants present their ideas to investors and business angels and receive valuable, constructive feedback. The most convincing teams are given the opportunity to further develop their concepts together with TUD|excite - and, with a bit of luck, secure a place in the Dresden accelerator exciteLAB via a wildcard.

Not only the participants benefit from the International TUD|excite Summer School, but also the Lusatia region. After all, this is not just about any old business ideas, but about new future prospects for the transformation region. Thanks to the close cooperation with the regional innovation network, including LAUTECH, Lausitzer Technologiezentrum GmbH, the Summer School will be felt locally and beyond. In addition to exciting workshops and inputs, the week also includes stops at Lake Geierswald and the ZCOM - the Konrad Zuse Computer Museum.

The whole thing is made possible by funding in a targeted manner from the Saxon State Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development (SMIL) - as part of the Special Regional Initiatives funding guideline. This supports projects that contribute to the sustainable development of regions, cities and municipalities in the Free State of Saxony.

From invention to start-up - with international team spirit, Saxon innovative spirit and specialist know-how. The TUD|excite Summer School has an impact beyond the event - as a catalyst for sustainable change.