Dear subscriber,
From science-led spin-off milestones to packed networking sessions, our innovation ecosystem continues to extend impactful research into real-world innovations.
We have curated the most relevant upcoming events and opportunities designed to accelerate your science-led activities, foster peer exchange, and connect you with our expanding innovation network.
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Awards and Recognition
High-Tech NRW Accelerator: It was an outstanding success at the Demo Day on June 3rd for our university’s Gateway Excellence Startup Center (ESC)! Two of our faculty’s spin-offs were selected to present among the top 10 startups across NRW at the state-led High-Tech NRW Accelerator. Following years of advice and support for nationally competitive EXIST funding from the Gateway ESC, the PoLightFilters team took home 1st place with their revolutionary angle-stable optical filters. Meanwhile, DyeMera Biosciences pitched their diagnostic kit, LipoFluddy, which enables real-time lipid imaging technology. Their success highlights the incredible dedication of our scientists to translating complex research—from advanced materials to biomedicine—into market-ready innovations.
Poster Prizes Potential Innovation: The Faculty’s Transfer initiative and the Gateway ESC recently honoured outstanding scientific innovation potential at both the Chemistry Day 2026 and the Graduate School of Geosciences (GSGS) Research Conference events in June. These awards underscore the university's commitment to scouting innovation across all disciplines to bridge fundamental research with real-world applications. This year's Transfer Prizes for Best Innovation Potential were awarded to Vincenzo Brancaccio for advanced optoelectronic materials, Hannah L. Dochtermann for photo-activated medicinal chemistry, and Fabian Schemann for his research on Transformative learning as didactic tool for the geosciences.
Contests, events and networking
Biotech Breakfast: The regional biotech community from across five major innovation hubs—including Cologne, Bonn, Düsseldorf, Aachen, and Dortmund—gathered on June 24th for another energetic Biotech Breakfast to connect, share ideas, and build lasting ties. Backed by key ecosystem partners like the Gateway ESC and KölnBusiness, the gathering demonstrated the immense momentum of our regional life science network, transitioning from a simple meetup into a vital, self-sustaining startup community. Bringing together founders, researchers, and ecosystem builders, the event was a true highlight for fellow innovators shaping the future of life sciences. Stay tuned and come join the growing Biotech network.
Nacht der Technik: On July 3rd, the University of Cologne’s Clusters of Excellence, ML4Q and DYNAVERSE, successfully brought cutting-edge physics to the public at the Physical Institutes. Through fully booked laboratory tours, accessible lectures on quantum computing and astrophysics, and a hands-on exhibition featuring virtual reality and live experiments, researchers demystified complex scientific concepts for visitors of all ages. This collaborative effort highlights the faculty’s strong commitment to public outreach and knowledge transfer, bridging the gap between high-level academic research and community engagement to inspire the next generation of STEM enthusiasts.
Upcoming Events, Workshops and Competitions
GO-Bio next 2027 Info Session: On July 20, 2026, from 11:00 to 12:30 CEST, Projektträger Jülich (PtJ) is hosting an interactive online information session on the BMFTR funding call “Go-Bio Next”. This initiative supports academic teams handling long-term, high-risk development projects. In addition to the university’s’ transfer support for your application, this info-session will help you navigate the two-stage application process. The next submission deadline for project sketches is September 15th 2026.
Come & cooperate: This targeted matchmaking event on Nov 4th connects academia with industry through tailored 1:1 meetings, offering additional consultation on funding and intellectual property rights. Submit your project ideas to initiate strategic collaborations—researchers can register with the IHK Düsseldorf until July 20, 2026.
Meet & Match: On July 22, the Gateway ESC, Gateway Gründungsnetz e.V., and KölnBusiness are hosting the event, marking the grand finale of the current Gateway Incubator cohort. Starting at 17:00, the evening kicks off with live startup pitches, followed by a dedicated networking session where researchers and students can connect directly with emerging teams looking for interns, working students, and co-founders. Running until 20:30 with drinks and snacks, this transfer event provides an ideal platform to build collaborative networks, find entrepreneurial talent, or explore new career paths within the regional startup ecosystem.
Gateway Start-up Summer School 2026: From August 31 to September 4, this program will welcome students, PhDs, and researchers at the WiSo building to transform early ideas into viable business models. Through 5 days of hands-on workshops, expert mentoring, and team matching, participants will dive into everything from idea validation to crafting the perfect investors' pitch. Whether you come with an existing research-based project or simply want to join a team, this free event offers an incredible opportunity to join peers and transfer your research into innovative real world solutions.
C3 Campus Competition Cologne: Apply by August 9, 2026 as a university startup and spin-off to fast-track your growth. By applying, your team can win exclusive wildcards for the Gateway Factory Accelerator, fast-track your path to a customized investment from Campus Capital, and secure high-value pitch training and free workspace at the University of Cologne. Top teams will compete in the grand finale on September 17, following a tailored investor-readiness workshop supported by Sparkasse KölnBonn. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your innovation—submit your application.
Thank you for your continued support & interest.
Best regards,
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Transfer Team
Prof. Dr. Annette M. Schmidt (annette.schmidt(at)uni-koeln(dot)de)
Dr. Dadhichi Paretkar (d.paretkar(at)gateway-unikoeln(dot)de)