"We help researchers to apply ideas and knowledge to business, industry, society or culture," said Katharina Fegebank, Senator for Science and Research. During crises, innovations clearly become important. "The ability to rethink, to boldly explore new topics and to find solutions to unpredictable issues is important for Hamburg's future." The success of the funded projects shows the importance of science for the city. "Science ensures progress, innovation and investment," Fegebank added. New patents and spin-offs as well as socio-cultural projects and exhibitions have emerged from the 100 projects funded hitherto.
The Ministry of Science and Research has announced EUR 443,350 in "Calls for Transfer" (C4T) funding for 15 research projects at universities across the city, a press release said in December 2022. More than 100 projects have been funded since 2018. Emphasis is on the transfer of innovative ideas from theory to practice and thus the leap from science to commerce.
Appyling scientific ideas
New funding round starts in March 2023
Around 40 applications were received for the eighth round of funding in 2022. Nine experts in various disciplines evaluated the project in terms of innovative strength, transfer potential and social relevance. Researchers in technological disciplines focus mainly on solutions to energy and environmental problems while others aim to improve e.g., the living situation of refugee women from Ukraine. The researchers receive up to EUR 30,000 each for the selected projects which start in February 2023. The Ministry of Science and Research has earmarked over EUR 2 million in funds for the C4T scheme which is sponsored by the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH). The projects are co-ordinated by Hamburg Innovation GmbH. The ninth C4T "Call for Transfers" begins in March and is open to researchers at all of Hamburg's state universities.
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