Review: 124th Founders' Barbecue & Panel Discussion

From lab to startup: the panel discussion on tech transfer

The panel discussion “From lab to startup – how does tech transfer really work?” kicked off the event at TRIANGEL. Moderator Sandra Schöttelndreier from our team led an exciting panel discussion with the following participants:

• Thomas Neumann (Head of KIT-Gründerschmiede)
• Iris Schwenk (HQS Quantum Simulations)
• Benedikt Klee (FORMIC Transportsysteme)
• Christoph Grün (CAVIGEN)

The discussion was open and practical, focusing on how research can be turned into start-up potential and what is needed at universities, in networks, and in politics to make transfer a success. The conclusion: Tech transfer is not a sure-fire success – it needs targeted support, good structures, committed people, and the right incentives. And above all, courage from the founders themselves.

124th Founder Barbecue: Networking meets after-work beer

Afterwards, the weather was perfect for heading to Kronenplatz for the Founder Barbecue, which, now in its 124th edition, once again brought together many people interested in founding a company, startups, alumni, investors, and networking partners. In the community corner, NXTGN, KTUR, CyberForum, and we as the KIT-Gründerschmiede presented ourselves and answered questions about start-ups, support services, and new ideas.

A special highlight: spontaneous pitches by the startups on our stage.

The Founder Barbecue not only offers space for relaxed conversations, but also for initial contacts, new collaborations, and direct inspiration. It is a place where people with ideas, questions, and ambitions come together – regardless of whether they have already started a business or are just thinking about it

Part of NEULAND Knowledge Week

The day was part of KIT’s NEULAND Knowledge Week, which took place from July 1 to 5 and invited participants to discover innovations and talk about transfer. Thank you to our colleagues for a successful week!