hei_INNOVATION Knowledge and Technology Transfer Day at Universität Heidelberg
Press Release No. 44/2025
8 May 2025
“Impact Day” provides a space for dialogue between those interested in and actively involved with the topic of transfer
How science is changing the world and the ways in which universities can make research findings usable for business and society is the topic of “Impact Day”, which Heidelberg University is hosting on 14 May 2025 at the New University. The event is organized by hei_INNOVATION, the transfer agency of Heidelberg University, and is intended as a meeting point for anyone interested in technological advances and social innovation, including thought leaders, founders or supporters. “Impact Day” 2025 will begin at 1:00 p.m. with the finalists of an ideas competition organized by hei_INNOVATION presenting their solutions for addressing societal challenges. The program also includes an exhibition showcasing forward-looking research, start-ups, and innovation initiatives, as well as various talks and discussion panels. “Impact Day” will be held in English, and registration is required in order to attend.
As part of the afternoon program, Nils Müller, CEO of a strategy and innovation consultancy firm, will give a keynote talk on the significance of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence for research and industry. Afterwards, he will join a panel discussion on the topic with legal expert and software developer Johannes Maurer from AI company Aleph Alpha, and digital health specialist and entrepreneur Dr Ursula Kramer. The discussion will be moderated by physician and founder Ira Stoll. This segment of the program will begin at 4 p.m. From 5 p.m., an exhibition area will open featuring innovation projects from Heidelberg University and start-ups that have emerged from Ruperto Carola, as well as innovation enablers from the university and city of Heidelberg. Attendees will have the chance to make connections, get to know the people behind the projects, and discuss their ideas and plans. Two discussion panels are also planned, focusing on the role of universities as drivers of innovation.
As part of the evening program, the winners of the ideas competition organized by hei_INNOVATION will be announced. This year’s competition focused on the themes of health technologies, social innovation and sustainability. In the final round, also moderated by Ira Stoll, the top three ideas will be presented to the audience and awarded tiered prize money. An audience prize will also be awarded. The evening will continue with a short film by Nils Müller titled “Heidelberg 2036 – A Journey into the Future”. The evening event will take place in the Great Hall of the New University and will begin at 6.30 p.m.
As the university’s transfer agency, hei_INNOVATION promotes the transfer of knowledge and technology into wider society. It serves as the central point of contact for supporting and implementing transfer activities at Heidelberg University. Since 2023, it has hosted “Impact Day” and launched an ideas competition focused on research results with potential for practical use. Registration for the knowledge and technology transfer day is available for free on the event website.