GSI Innovation Fund

Many technological ideas or research results are initially not sufficiently developed to convince external partners or attract funding for validation. In so-called preliminary projects, technological maturity and market relevance are enhanced — for example, through feasibility studies, initial test series, or prototype construction.

The funds required for this can be applied for in part or in full from the innovation fund. This makes it possible to develop concrete exploitation strategies early or to launch initial exploitation initiatives. Successful marketing leads to returns to GSI, distributed among inventors/knowledge carriers, specialist departments, and the innovation fund.

Technologies at GSI/FAIR are often not immediately market-ready and require targeted further development into a product or process. This further development is carried out systematically in validation projects, ideally in collaboration with an industrial partner. Depending on the project, internal financing can be provided proportionately by public validation programs or by funds from the innovation fund.

Successful marketing also leads to returns for GSI in this area.

GSI has extensive expertise in services and contract research. To professionally prepare these offerings for external partners, the innovation fund can support measures such as concept development, offer definition, target group analysis, and marketing. The necessary financial resources can be requested from the in-house innovation fund, on a pro rata basis if required. If marketing is successful, the proceeds flow back to GSI and are divided between the experts, the specialist department, and the Innovation Fund.

Research work occasionally yields business ideas that scientists or students would like to pursue. Consulting, market analysis, and business plan development are necessary for developing a robust business model. These preparatory steps can be financed (in part) by the Innovation Fund. The Technology Transfer Office provides support and advice throughout the entire process.

The GSI Innovation Fund is an internal funding instrument designed to support technology transfer projects. It enables the product-oriented validation and further development of technological potential from research and development. The aim is to advance transfer ideas to the point that exploitation, cooperation with industrial partners, or external follow-up financing becomes possible.

The fund thus strengthens both the culture of innovation at GSI and the structural conditions for successful technology transfer.

Fund management is the responsibility of the Technology Transfer Department. It coordinates with management and specialist departments, organizes the fund's funding regulations, and is responsible for public relations related to the fund. In addition, it oversees the selection of individual measures to be funded, concludes the necessary agreements with the respective project managers, and is responsible for controlling and reporting. Operational management can be delegated to suitable employees.

The GSI Innovation Fund is characterized by a high degree of flexibility:

• Applications can be submitted throughout the year.
• Open exploitation path: spin-off, license, service—no specifications regarding the desired form of transfer.
• Funding is available for every phase of a project's development.
• Flexible use of funds within the framework of the usual grant and award regulations.
• Project durations without fixed requirements: The standard duration of a funded project is typically one year. Longer-term projects can be implemented in several coordinated phases. For each phase, the respective follow-up financing is planned and applied for separately so that the development process can be continued in a structured manner and in line with requirements. 
• Funding is planned and provided in annual tranches. Funds must be drawn down and used within the respective tranche to ensure structured and annual project progress.
• No fixed funding amounts, but comprehensible and plausible cost justifications are required.
• Financing of own contributions for public transfer funding programs is possible.
• External partners bear their own costs.
• Integration of external expertise is possible, e.g., Fraunhofer Institutes, universities, development service providers, market mentors, or consultants.
• Clear milestones and defined termination criteria are required to ensure efficient use of funds.
• Refund principle: Successful commercialisation results in refunds to GSI, which are divided among inventors, the departmental unit, and the innovation fund.
• The innovation fund can also be used to prepare projects for external programs or to finance their own contributions (e.g., VIP+, ZIM, AiF, WIPANO, LOEWE, EXIST).

Applications can be submitted at any time via TTR. The process consists of two steps:

1. Idea outline

• Submission of the idea outline (Appendix I Idea Outline) to transfer•@•gsi.de

• Presentation to the GSI Innovation Board

• Recommendation to apply in case of a positive evaluation

2. Application

• Preparation of the application (Appendix II Application for Funding) together with TTR

• Presentation to the Innovation Board

• Decision by the Innovation Board or management (depending on the amount of funding)

The decision is made by the Innovation Board or, in the case of grants exceeding 50.000 €, by the management.

The aim is to process applications quickly (usually within three weeks of receipt of all documents).