Freiberg University of Mining and Technology Establishes "Innovation Center"
How do innovations and new technologies from the scientific community find their way into practical applications? With the new “TUBAF Innovation Center,” the Freiberg University of Mining and Technology (TUBAF) is pooling its expertise to support researchers along this path.
At the same time, this Center for Technology Transfer and Startup Support serves as a one-stop shop for companies seeking scientific expertise, looking to initiate collaborations with the university, or seeking to put new technologies into practice. The university also expects this new structure to provide additional momentum for business and innovation, particularly in Central Saxony. On September 29, 2026, the Center officially began its work.
“Our research should have an impact where new solutions are needed—in companies, in the region, and in society. We see this as a major opportunity, especially for Central Saxony. With the TUBAF Innovation Center, we aim to help ensure that scientific findings more frequently lead to new technologies, collaborations, and startups,” says Rector Prof. Dr. Jutta Emes.
Technology Transfer, Startup Support, and Intellectual Property Rights—All Under One Roof
It is often unclear at the outset whether a collaboration with a company, a patent, or a spin-off is the right path for a research idea. The newly established center therefore brings together the technology transfer office, the startup advisory service, and the intellectual property department. This allows different commercialization pathways to be considered jointly from the very beginning. Companies also gain centralized access to scientific expertise and collaboration opportunities at TU Bergakademie Freiberg.
“Research projects, in particular, give rise to technologies and ideas that serve as a source of innovation for established industries and new companies. With the TUBAF Innovation Center, we can directly address issues related to intellectual property rights, commercialization, and startup support, thereby strengthening the impact and returns for the Bergakademie,” says Prof. Dr. Martin Bertau, Vice Rector for Research and Transfer.
A Strong Foundation for the New Structure
The new center builds on the university’s successful technology transfer activities. According to a recent analysis by the German Economic Institute (IW), TUBAF files approximately 24 patent applications per 1,000 students per year; the average for universities across Germany is around two patent applications. TUBAF is also among the most successful small universities in supporting startups: In the “Startup Radar 2025,” it ranks among the top institutions nationwide. The new center is now intended to integrate these strengths more closely and incorporate technology transfer earlier into the research process.