Technology Transfer
The university endeavours to transfer research results and scientific findings to industry and the economy. With its Industry-on-Campus projects – strategic research cooperations with companies in the research city of Heidelberg and the region – Ruperto Carola networks its basic research with the application-oriented research of its industrial partners, enabling the shared development of technological and medical innovations.
The transfer of basic research for application in the life sciences is supported by the Biotechnology Cluster Rhine-Neckar (BioRN), which is funded as a BMBF leading-edge cluster; the EIT Health site centre in Heidelberg/Mannheim; and the BMBF M²OLIE Research Campus with the participation of the Medical Faculty Mannheim of Ruperto Carola. Heidelberg University's entrepreneurial potential is also reflected in its successful applications to the GO-Bio (BMBF) and EXIST (BMWi) programmes, which promote technology transfer and provide researchers with funding to turn research results into products.
Industry on Campus
Catalysis Research Laboratory
Postdoctoral researchers from Heidelberg University and BASF collaborate in the field of homogeneous catalysis in the CaRLa project, the Catalysis Research Laboratory in the Heidelberg Technology Park. The lab is financed as a private-public partnership by BASF, the state and the university.
InnovationLab GmbH
The InnovationLab GmbH (iL) is a joint application-oriented research and transfer platform at the intersection of science and business focussed on printed electronics and technology transfer. It is maintained by the Karlsruhe Institute for Technology (KIT), Heidelberg University, as well as BASF SE, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, und SAP SE.
Nikon Imaging Center
The Nikon Imaging Center is a light microscopy facility of the university’s Bioquant research centre in cooperation with Nikon GmbH, Nikon Instruments Europe B.V. as well as other firms active on the international stage. Through the NIC, scientists in the life sciences and medicine at Heidelberg University have access to state-of-the-art microscopic procedures and instruments.
Heidelberg Collaboratory for Image Processing
until 2021
The HCI was set up in 2008 by the university and partners from industry. The largest image processing centre in Germany comprises three university professorships for imaging processing as well as post doc positions financed through the Excellence Initiative and the participating companies.
Transfer-oriented research alliances
BioRN – Life Science Cluster Rhine-Neckar
Within BioRN approx. 100 red biotechnology companies develop pharmaceuticals, technology platforms and diagnostic agents. Worldwide healthcare companies and internationally renowned research facilities make decisive contributions to this development. The BioRN Cluster concentrates mainly on personalized medicine and cancer research.
EIT Health
With participation from Heidelberg University, the EIT Health Consortium was founded in November 2014 with the goal to improve the quality of life of European citizens and the sustainability of healthcare systems. More than 130 companies, research institutes and universities from 14 countries in Europe are pooling their expertise in the fields of pharmaceuticals, medical technology, research and startup activities.
M²OLIE
The cooperation “M²OLIE” (Mannheim Molecular Intervention Environment) is funded by the BMBF as a "research campus - public-private partnership for innovations". The aim is to create a medical intervention environment for the further development of minimally invasive cancer therapies.
Service
Starting a Business
Business start-ups by students, graduates and employees of the University of Heidelberg are supported by the University's start-up management. In the planning phase, support is given in particular to start-ups that are based, for example, on the exploitation of research results.
Congresses & Conventions
Heidelberg University hosts congresses and conventions of the highest calibre. The university city of Heidelberg is an excellent location for scientific conferences. While the university gives the city its character, Heidelberg also boasts a wealth of research institutes and rapid-growth businesses.
Trade Shows
The university takes part in international trade shows covering all disciplines (Achema, Biotechnica, Hannover Messe, etc.) and supports its scientists in their preparations for the shows.However, supporting regional exchange cooperations and “marketplaces” is particularly important.