From Idea to Impact
Transfer, Translation, and Entrepreneurship
RWTH Aachen University is strengthening its “third pillar” alongside research and teaching: transfer. A growing focus on “translation,” a vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem, and new formats such as the Tech Impact Festival demonstrate how knowledge can be turned into real-world impact. For alumni, this means new opportunities to stay connected and to take an active role in a dynamic innovation ecosystem.
The University’s Third Pillar
At RWTH, the so-called third pillar – transfer – is becoming an increasingly powerful force next to research and teaching. But transfer is far more than the commercialization of research. It is grounded in the belief that innovation can only succeed when research generates tangible value for the economy and society. At its heart, transfer relies on the continuous exchange of ideas, knowledge, technologies, and people – within the University and with affiliated organizations, industry partners, start-up teams, and community stakeholders.
Translation as a Special Form of Transfer
A special form of knowledge transfer is translation. This term describes the orchestrated interaction between academia, industry, and society at lower technology readiness levels (covering basic and early applied research), with the goal of using knowledge to co-develop solutions to societal challenges.
This leads to a clear imperative: research, teaching, and transfer should not exist in parallel but be seamlessly integrated. Lasting impact is possible only when all three pillars reinforce one another.
A look at Aachen’s entrepreneurship ecosystem – where RWTH Innovation serves as a central hub—shows how this vision is being realized. Here, transfer happens not only through long-term innovation partnerships with established companies, but also through targeted support for start-ups and spin-offs.
From Idea to Founding: The Initiation Phase
The RWTH Innovation programs form the core of the initiation phase. The Ideation Program helps students and researchers develop early-stage business concepts, while the Incubation Program prepares teams for market entry through workshops, coaching, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
This support is complemented by the Collective Incubator, which reopened in July 2025. Featuring co-working and office spaces as well as extensive maker facilities covering more than 4,000 square meters—and with over 4,500 registered members – it is now one of the largest university incubators in Europe
From Start-Up to Scale-Up: The Scaling Phase
After the initiation phase comes the scaling phase. This is precisely where the new Gateway Factory plays a crucial role. As one of ten award-winning start-up factories in Germany, it is supported by RWTH Aachen University in collaboration with the Universities of Cologne and Düsseldorf.
Its focus is on deep-tech start-ups that are ready to grow after their initial founding. Through (production) infrastructure, funding opportunities, industrial networks, and targeted expertise, the Gateway Factory guides start-ups on their path to becoming scale-ups – addressing a critical gap in the start-up ecosystem.
The result: a continuous start-up pipeline, leading from initial idea to early company formation and structured scaling. Combined with strategic industry partnerships and translation activities, it shows how RWTH is bringing its third pillar to life – and how research is turning into impact.
Alumni Welcome: The Tech Impact Festival 2026
The new Tech Impact Festival, premiering in Aachen on March 25–26, 2026 in the C.A.R.L. lecture hall center, provides a vibrant setting for all these activities. With around 1,500 participants expected, companies, researchers, start-ups, and policymakers will come together to network, exchange ideas, and launch new collaborations.
“Tech” reflects the full spectrum of technologies at the University – from next-generation computing and digital industry to biotech and the life sciences. “Impact” highlights the diverse paths of transfer, from industrial partnerships to entrepreneurial ventures. And “Festival” underscores the special atmosphere: interactive, collaborative, and enriched with live music that fosters exchange and connection.
For alumni, the Tech Impact Festival is an opportunity to revisit the University, discover the latest transfer activities, and experience the future of innovation and collaboration in Aachen.
– Author: Michael Riesener