The FAST transfer initiative strengthens knowledge and technology transfer

With the FAST transfer initiative – Research, Spin-offs, Scaling, Transfer – the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) aims to accelerate the transfer of knowledge and technology between science and industry nationwide. The goal is to better align research results with the needs of companies and to systematically connect their challenges with innovative solutions from universities and research institutions.

At the heart of the initiative is the establishment of nationwide transfer hubs, which serve as thematic contact points for the key technologies of Germany's High-Tech Agenda. Through screening and scouting, the hubs identify promising technologies, ideas, and stakeholders from the research sector, simultaneously assess the innovation needs of companies, and bring both sides together via a transfer marketplace. Promising innovation teams are supported throughout the development phases, from orientation and validation to market preparation, and receive needs-based support services, such as expertise development, networking, or seed funding.

The selection and support of transfer projects is based on clearly defined criteria for assessing the degree of innovation and market readiness. Only projects with high transfer and commercialization potential are further developed, while less promising projects may be terminated early. In addition, a central service desk will support the transfer hubs with tools, training opportunities, and administrative services.

In the long term, the initially funded transfer hubs are intended to develop into financially sustainable structures and make a lasting contribution to strengthening Germany as a location for innovation. The success of the initiative will be measured, among other things, by the number of new collaborations between science and industry, the transfer of research results into marketable applications, and the economic impact of the supported innovations.