Review: 124th Founders’ Barbecue & Panel Discussion

The panel discussion “From lab to startup – how does tech transfer really work?” kicked off the event at TRIANGEL. Moderator Sandra Schöttelndreier from our team led an exciting panel discussion with the following participants:

• Thomas Neumann (Head of KIT-Gründerschmiede)
• Iris Schwenk (HQS Quantum Simulations)
• Benedikt Klee (FORMIC Transportsysteme)
• Christoph Grün (CAVIGEN)

The discussion was open and practical, focusing on how research can be turned into start-up potential and what is needed at universities, in networks, and in politics to make transfer a success. The conclusion: Tech transfer is not a sure-fire success – it needs targeted support, good structures, committed people, and the right incentives. And above all, courage from the founders themselves.

Afterwards, the weather was perfect for heading to Kronenplatz for the Founder Barbecue, which, now in its 124th edition, once again brought together many people interested in founding a company, startups, alumni, investors, and networking partners. In the community corner, NXTGN, KTUR, CyberForum, and we as the KIT-Gründerschmiede presented ourselves and answered questions about start-ups, support services, and new ideas.

A special highlight: spontaneous pitches by the startups on our stage.

The Founder Barbecue not only offers space for relaxed conversations, but also for initial contacts, new collaborations, and direct inspiration. It is a place where people with ideas, questions, and ambitions come together – regardless of whether they have already started a business or are just thinking about it

The day was part of KIT’s NEULAND Knowledge Week, which took place from July 1 to 5 and invited participants to discover innovations and talk about transfer. Thank you to our colleagues for a successful week!