RWTH Supports Spin-Off Companies

Each year, up to 45 companies are founded based on innovative research carried out at and around RWTH Aachen. The University supports these spin-off companies in a number of ways. The Vice-Rector for Industry and Business Relations, Professor Malte Brettel, explains the University’s activities in a short video clip.

 

What commercial potential does an innovation have? How can its potential be optimally exploited? Does it make sense to start a business based on the idea? These are the questions that researchers ask when they want to further develop their ideas and bring them to market. In this process, they receive support from RWTH Aachen.

The Entrepreneurship Center, based at the Chair of Economics for Engineers and Natural Scientists, encourages, advises, and coaches researchers who want to start a business. In a first step, the business potential of the innovative technology is investigated.

Furthermore, at RWTH there is a team of so-called patent and innovation scouts – specialists who provide advice and assistance with the patent and exploitation processes.

A Significant Economic Driver

“2013, the region saw the establishment of 45 RWTH spin offs,” said Professor Malte Brettel, Vice-Rector for Industry and Business Relations and Director of the Entrepreneurship Center. “This result is based on about 200 intense coachings, and these were preceded by about 2,000 contacts.”

According to a study by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK), the newly established companies have created 25 positions each on average – more than 1,000 new jobs in total. As Brettel concludes: “This is a significant economic driver for the city.”

Source: Press and Public Relations