The hubs are to focus on key technologies within Germany’s High-Tech Agenda, including biotechnology, artificial intelligence, microelectronics, quantum technologies, climate-neutral energy technologies and fusion. Unlike traditional funding programmes, they rely on actively scouting for research ideas and matching them with specific needs from industry. Innovation teams are supported through the orientation, validation and market preparation phases. A phased funding approach is designed to target resources specifically at projects with growing market potential. For the life sciences sector, the programme opens up new opportunities to bring together research, spin-offs, industry partners and investors at an earlier stage. Consortia comprising research institutions and industry partners have until the end of August 2026 to submit proposals for transfer hubs. In the long term, these structures are intended to organise technology transfer nationwide and shorten the path from research to industrial implementation.
Press release from the “Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space” dated 16 July 2026