FAQs TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AWARD
1. What is the TRL?
TRL stands for “Technology Readiness Level”. TRL 5 is defined as “test setup in operational environment” and TRL 6 as “prototype in operational environment”. The result of the joint further development should therefore be in this area of the technology readiness level.
2. What does “technologies from the KIT” mean?
The technology on which the project is based was developed at KIT (IP belongs to KIT) and then further developed towards application in a joint project with an industrial partner. The underlying IP must therefore not be brought into the project by the industrial partner.
3. Does the technology have to be protected by an IP right?
No, there does not have to be an IP right(s) application.
4. Can software also form the basis of the collaboration?
Yes, software can also be the basis for the collaboration if the other criteria are met.
5. What does “together with one or more industry partner(s)” mean?
Basically, we are talking about cooperation with industry. In a cooperation, the partners pursue a common project goal, both partners can derive added value from the results and the content of the project is jointly determined by both partners. Possible criteria for this are the contributions of both partners to the work plan, which should be distributed more or less equally in terms of both content and effort.
No collaborations are, for example, contracts in which research services are provided.
6. What types of collaborations can these be?
They can be both publicly funded projects and projects jointly funded by industry and KIT. It is important that there is a contractual framework for the collaboration (possibly as a cooperation agreement in the case of public funding).
7. Does a license agreement already have to exist?
No, a concluded license agreement is not a prerequisite for applying for the Technology Transfer Award. However, one may already exist.
8. When is something considered a “technology transfer” for the purposes of the competition?
You can submit collaborations for which a contract has been concluded and which also started between 01.01.2025 and 31.12.2025 (only the conclusion of the contract is not sufficient).
9. What does “apply in coordination with the industry partner” mean?
A cooperation can only be successful if all partners are equally involved. The industrial partner must therefore be informed and agree to the application before it is submitted.
10. Why do only the KIT researchers receive the prize money and not the industrial partner?
This is KIT's innovation competition, which recognizes the commitment of KIT researchers. Even if the industrial partner is an integral part of the transfer, it is not recognized monetarily as a company. However, the partner is of course also honored at the award ceremony, including with a certificate and trophy.
