Ignite the Venture
From laboratory innovation to societal and economic impact through technology transfer
Matena innovate! supports individuals and teams in translating scientific discoveries into technological and societal impact.
We are looking for researchers and teams with a strong ambition to move their work beyond the lab and towards practical application.
Our continuous R2B Call supports sustainable solutions in materials science and technology - with a clear potential for application. The aim of this call is to accelerate the pre-competitive technology transfer of scientific research into sustainable, practical applications for the public good. The exploitation and licensing of intellectual property rights generated within the project shall be carried out on fair, transparent, and customary market terms, in compliance with the provisions of applicable non-profit law and EU state aid regulations. Core scientific findings from the funded collaborative projects will be made available to the professional community in an accessible format (e.g., Open Access / scientific publications). The call and the implementation of the funded transfer projects are carried out within the framework of the non-profit corporate purpose of JHS innovate! Zentrum MaTeNa gGmbH to promote science and research.
Take your research to the next level
Our R2B pathway combines Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and Business Readiness Levels (BRL), allowing teams to enter at different stages of maturity - from validated early-stage concepts to advanced technology development and transfer preparation.
Wherever your project starts, we help you take the next step towards application.
Seed Funding
Up to €150,000 in project funding
Talent & Coaching
The people and expertise to move forward
Excellent Infrastructure
State-of-the-art infrastructure from day one
Transfer & Industry Network
Connect your technology to the right partners
What we are looking for
We are looking for more than promising research. We are looking for individuals and teams with the ambition to move their technology towards application and create real-world impact.
We are particularly interested in projects that combine strong scientific and technological foundations with a clear potential for practical use, transfer and societal or environmental benefit.
- Scientific & Technological Foundation: We are looking for innovative concepts in sustainable materials, engineering and technologies that build on a strong scientific and technological foundation and have progressed beyond fundamental research.
- Application potential: We look for technologies with a clear potential to address practical, societal or environmental needs and to develop into solutions with real-world impact.
- Transfer ambition: Individuals and teams who want to move beyond scientific results and actively explore how their technology can create impact.
- Open & entrepreneurial mindset: Having a proactive approach to testing assumptions, engaging with external partners and exploring different routes towards application is essential.
Different paths to impact
There is no single route from research to application. What matters is the ambition to create impact beyond the lab.
Depending on the project, Matena can support different transfer pathways.
- IP Transfer: Transfer of intellectual Property to an external partner via selling or licensing.
- Demontrators: Development and commercialization of demonstrators to showcase the technology.
- Industrial Adoption: Integration of the technology into existing products or processes.
- Co-Development: Joint development with industry around a defined application or market need.
- Future Spin-out: Where appropriate, preparing the foundations for a future startup or spin-out.
Who can apply and how does the application work?
The R2B Call is open to individuals and teams working on relevant research and technology. The R2B Call is open for continuous submissions - there is no application deadline.
Projects must:
- be based at the University of Bremen campus or Technology Park Bremen.
- be hosted by a member of the MAPEX Center for Materials and Processes.
- focus on research translation and technology transfer within the scope of the R2B Call.
A suitable MAPEX member can be suggested by the applicants or matched with the project by the Matena team.
The application procedure is as follows:
- Submit your idea: Write us an e-mail and get the link to the online application form.
- Initial review: Matena reviews submissions continuously and aims to respond within 14 days.
- Pitch & interview: If your project is selected for the next step, we will invite you to a live pitch and interview with the selection team.
- Start your R2B journey: Together, we define the appropriate starting point and the next steps for developing your technology towards application.
What the R2B Call does not fund:
Matena supports pre-competitive research translation and technology transfer activities. The program does not provide funding for basic research as well as for commercial business operations or market activities of startups.
