ahead high-tech accelerator news

Technology-based innovation programs must deliver top performance in times of digital transformation: concepts, prototypes, test and development cycles must deliver usable results faster than ever. For technology transfer from science, a methodically systematized bridge to real-world application scenarios and a new transfer culture could be the answer to this transformation pressure. We spoke with Peter Keinz, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration and partner of Fraunhofer Venture, about ways to further develop technology transfer.

Behind every successful Fraunhofer spin-off is a strong technology - and a strong team of tech experts and personalities, who get things done. Fraunhofer scientists bring much of this with them, and the optimal team set-up and working methods are developed together with experienced coaches. We spoke with Dr. Klaus Dürrbeck, Managing Director of the Munich Leadership Group and head of team development for the AHEAD program.

Together with his team, Leo Mück has developed the new SDG track of the AHEAD program as project manager. Leo is part of the AHEAD program management, initiator & co-founder of a social start-up, studied Management of Social Innovations and is currently working on his part-time MBA Green Economy & Digital Innovation. In this interview, he answers your most important questions about the new SDG track. Get to know Leo and our new SDG track:

Solar power is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources worldwide. But the growing demand for the critical resource silver for module production could become the bottleneck of green energy. Starting in fall 2021, the Fraunhofer spin-off project PV2plus is driving an innovation that replaces scarce and environmentally critical materials while significantly reducing manufacturing costs as part of an EXIST research transfer.

More than 1.800 applicants from all over the world, stunning new tech approaches and an exceptional selection of start-up talents and experts – but only a few will make it the Olympus of functional surface design technologies: Yesterday, Heraeus, a globally operating and visionary German tech-company, announced 5 new start-ups to join one of the most advanced acceleration programs in the field – and the Fraunhofer spin-off Fusion Bionic will be among the chosen ones.

Fraunhofer researchers have an outstanding expertise and technology portfolio - but to turn these assets into successful companies, they need to develop skills and mindsets beyond tech and theory. Lisa Gius is team development coach in the AHEAD program and works with AHEAD teams on their »social launch momentum«: teamdesign and teambuilding for successful young companies. We spoke with her about the challenges of Fraunhofer spin-offs and the special »joy of development« that drives researchers in the start-up process.