Science and Arts meets Start-ups!
Transfer scouting at the University of Cologne's Gateway focuses on getting your research results and innovative ideas fit for the market. We support you from the initial idea through to market launch, assist with prototype development and offer patent advice.
We promote the success of your ideas on the market or in society by providing tailored advice on financing options and strategic networking.
We work together to make your innovations successful and make a real difference in the world. Help us discover how your research can produce groundbreaking innovations.
Events for you
What exactly is Transferscouting at Gateway ESC?
The Transferscouts in all faculties are points of contact for researchers and students when it comes to the application of knowledge from research and teaching.
They are discussion partners whose professional background corresponds to the faculty in which they work. They advise on how ideas for the application of knowledge can be put into practice. They also help with know-how on application maturity, technology depth and innovation level of research results as well as on possible funding programs for the development of an application or start-up scenario.
The Transferscouts work closely with the Gateway start-up coaches and the Gateway ESC's prototyping expert.
The Transferscouts also work closely with the Transfer Department of the University of Cologne on issues relating to research collaborations, inventions and intellectual property rights.
Are the Transferscout services for me?
Our services are for everyone who is studying or working at the University of Cologne - or used to study/work here.
If you are wondering whether your idea or your research project could have potential for being developed into application, send your Transferscout from your faculty an email and we will schedule a short appointment.
We are also happy to inform you about transfer opportunities in general or funding sources in the area of application.
At what stage should I contact Transferscouts?
Engage with the Transferscouts from your faculty early on!
We’ll help you with the development of your idea and research, with with financing and protecting your project.
Should I protect and/or publish my results?
As soon as you have an exciting research outcome or you have reached an innovative step or if you have made a discovery, you can speak with us before rushing to publish it or present your poster at the next conference.
Most of the times, you can protect as well as publish and with our help and that of the Transfer department of the University of Cologne. This way, you can create more value for your efforts early on during your research period.
I have an idea with a commercial potential. How can I turn it into a business?
We support you with agile innovation methods (e.g. Design Thinking, Rapid Prototyping, Lean Startup) to develop user-centric prototypes that can be easily tested and experienced.
This will help you to quickly and cost-effectively test whether your ideas have the potential to attract potential customers. We help you turn your ideas into tangible reality as quickly as possible and test your assumptions with potential users. The findings will help you to apply for grants or to convince investors.
How can the Transferscouts support me?
Transferscouts are the first point of contact for all researchers and academics seeking to transfer their research results into applications. With our teams at Gateway Excellence Start-up Center of the University of Cologne, the department of Research Management (Abt. 7) and in collaboration with external partners we support you to transfer your innovation into commercial and social entrepreneurial opportunities.
We are happy to support you in all aspects of transfer:
• Assistance in developing transfer projects
• Funding opportunities
• Intellectual property
• Connections to relevant industry and academic partners
How does Gateway ESC support spin-offs?
We provide support from the initial idea through the entire start-up process. We help with the very first evaluation and discussion of your business idea, support with exploitation options, patent application and matchmaking with network partners, and the funding phase.
We work in interdisciplinary teams to incorporate all our know-how and expertise.
