Prestigious UNIPRENEURS 2026 Founder's Award Goes to Leading Dresden Researcher
A prestigious honor for technology transfer at Dresden University of Technology (TUD): Prof. Frank H. P. Fitzek, holder of the Deutsche Telekom Chair in Communication Networks, was awarded the prestigious UNIPRENEURS Prize 2026.
The award honors Prof. Fitzek’s significant contributions to the transfer of innovations to the business sector. The award ceremony took place in Berlin. UNIPRENEURS is the most prestigious award for promoting entrepreneurship in higher education and research in Germany.
- Cutting-Edge Research as a Driving Force for Successful Spin-offs
The award specifically recognizes the close integration of scientific excellence and targeted startup support that Prof. Fitzek is advancing at TUD. As the head of a research group with more than 140 scientists, his research covers a broad spectrum—from 5G / 6G communication systems to quantum and molecular communication, as well as novel computer architectures, information theory, and human-machine interaction.
A key factor in the award of the prize was his consistent commitment to translating scientific achievements directly into market applications. As spokesperson for the CeTI (Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop) Cluster of Excellence and as coordinator of the 6G-life transfer hub, he has created an ecosystem that paves the way for researchers and students to move from research to practical application. His involvement in the Saxony-Bavarian research initiative gAIn further underscores his focus on cutting-edge AI computer architectures.
Prof. Frank H. P. Fitzek: “For universities, startups have long since become an important asset. We’ve been focusing on this area for over 25 years. The award is therefore of great significance, as it reflects our long-standing efforts and successes in this field.”
- A Role Model and Inspiration for the Next Generation of Founders
In addition to his scientific achievements, Prof. Fitzek has personally demonstrated—as a co-founder of several successful startups in the fields of communications, computer science, robotics, AI, and quantum technologies—how to successfully bridge the gap between academia and industry. Through this hands-on involvement, he specifically motivates and supports up-and-coming talent in developing their own business ideas and bringing marketable innovations to life.
- About UNIPRENEURS
UNIPRENEURS is an initiative aimed at strengthening spin-offs at German universities. The Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft is responsible for organizing and implementing this joint initiative. The Start-up Association, Bitkom, and AddedVal.io support UNIPRENEURS as partners. Every three years, UNIPRENEURS awards Germany’s highest honor for outstanding commitment to entrepreneurship at universities. The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space, together with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, have jointly assumed patronage of UNIPRENEURS.