Die SENSCUBATOR Community vereint Expert:innen der Technische Uiversität Dresden, der Technischen Universität Chemnitz, des Helmholtz-Zentrums Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) und VEMAS.innovativ mit Unternehmen aus verschiedenen Branchen, um gemeinsam innovative Sensoriklösungen zu entwickeln und in die Anwendung zu bringen. Der SENSCUBATOR bietet gezielte Unterstützung durch den SENSCUBATORfonds, der Finanzierungsmöglichkeiten für Transfervorhaben bereitstellt. Ebenso können technische und methodische Kompetenzpools für Transferprojekte genutzt werden.

Das SENSCUBATOR Team setzt sich für den Aufbau und die nachhaltige Entwicklung der Community ein. Dies umfasst unter anderem die Etablierung eines Community-Office als zentrale Anlaufstelle, die Organisation von Netzwerktreffen, die Bereitstellung von Managementunterstützung sowie Maßnahmen zur internen und externen Kommunikation. Durch strategische Auswahl und Förderung passender FuE-Projekte wird der Innovationsprozess beschleunigt und eine breite Anwendung sensorischer Technologien in verschiedenen Industriezweigen ermöglicht.

We are looking for teams from scientific institutions with exciting research results in the field of sensor technology who are ready to take the first steps towards technology transfer.

In terms of content, the call focuses on innovative sensor technologies with high innovation and market potential (e.g. printed sensors for flexible substrates without complex electronic components). Universities and non-university research institutions from Saxony can submit project ideas.

In addition, at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) addressed by SENSCUBATOR - SDG 3 Health and Well-being, SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure or SDG 13 Climate Action - should be addressed.

The technical maturity level of the innovation should be between TRL 4 (validation of the technology on a laboratory scale) and TRL 7 (demonstration of a prototype under realistic operating conditions). Initial market research has proven the application potential and potential user groups are known. Initial IP searches show that the innovation can be sufficiently protected. There is also an initial idea of the route (e.g. cooperation project with companies, start-up, licensing) through which the transfer to application should take place. Any planned exploitation must take place in the European Economic Area (EEA).

The SENSCUBATOR supports project teams with a structured, cooperative transfer process. To ensure that all necessary building blocks for the transfer process are given equal priority, the SENSCUBATOR considers all dimensions of the Innovation Readiness Level (IRL). Together with the research teams, the SENSCUBATOR team draws up a customized development plan to improve the IRL in a targeted manner. An agile approach with concrete goals and iteration loops is used. The SENSCUBATOR offers further support through:

• structured project planning and control
• Development of a transfer strategy
• Business model development with a focus on sustainability
• Market and IP research
• Financial support via the SENSCUBATOR Fund
• Support in identifying additional financing options
• Access to expert knowledge and technical infrastructure
• Networking with partners from science and industry

Use the template provided and submit your project idea.

Please send the completed template to .

A first selection round will take place with all project ideas received by 13.07.2025. Further selection rounds will take place regularly thereafter.

The selection of projects to be supported by the SENSCUBATOR is based on a project-specific evaluation in three dimensions:

General requirements

• The innovation is located in the specified subject area.
• Our offers will advance your project (suitability)
• The technical maturity level is in the TRL 4 to TRL 7 range.
• The transfer office of the applicant institution is informed and supports the project.

Evaluation criterion - sensor technology

• High novelty value of the innovation.
• Recognizable competitive advantage over the current state of the art.
• The support of the SENSCUBATOR can make a decisive contribution to successful transfer.
• An initial assessment of the property rights strategy (e.g. patenting) is available.

Evaluation criterion - application environment

• The innovation generates a quantified benefit for users.
• The potential user groups are known and a concrete application potential exists.
• Unique selling points and the competitive situation enable market entry.

Based on the submitted template, an initial assessment is made of the idea's suitability for the SENSCUBATOR. If this is the case, the current maturity level of the innovation in all dimensions of the IRL is determined in a joint discussion between you and the SENSCUBATOR team. The next steps required to increase the level of maturity are then defined and the support required from the SENSCUBATOR, including the project plan, is determined. The most promising projects are approved by the Board and can be launched. During the project period, there will be close cooperation between the project team and the SENSCUBATOR team in order to quickly identify and overcome any obstacles that arise.