Apply now for Catalyst GER!

The Technische Universität München class, along with seven other universities, is participating in the Catalyst GER program. The aim is to translate research findings from the social sciences and humanities into practical applications. The program is open to research teams and Munich-based startups from across Germany who want to transfer their findings into practice, either through a startup or other methods. The application deadline is May 4, 2026.

Catalyst GER thus addresses an area where founding and transfer structures are often less developed than in technology spin-offs. The program therefore also appeals to teams that have not previously been reached through traditional startup programs.

The Technical University of Munich and its partners aim to address a gap in knowledge transfer: While technological spin-offs are frequently supported, established structures are often lacking for social science approaches. Catalyst GER is intended to close this gap and support researchers in developing concrete applications.

The focus is on issues such as democratic participation, public health, and livable cities. According to the Technical University of Munich, approaches with societal impact regularly emerge in these areas. However, the transfer into concrete projects or organizations is not always successful.

Three-stage training program

Catalyst GER is structured as a multi-stage training program. The first phase, featuring online courses for researchers, begins on March 27. In this initial phase, each online course will provide the fundamentals and tools for knowledge transfer. Researchers will gain insights into potential application areas and learn how to define target groups for their work.

In the second phase, teams can apply with specific projects until May 4th. They will work on further developing their approaches in workshops. The focus is not exclusively on startup creation; models such as consulting services, training programs, and initiatives are also part of the program.

One team will be awarded the TUM SHAPE Impact Award and will receive particularly intensive support in the third phase. 

Pilot project with eight universities

TUM President Thomas F. Hofmann says: 

“We look forward to building new bridges between science, society and the public sector, and to collaborating with public institutions, non-governmental organizations, political decision-makers and social enterprises.”

The program is part of the university's strategic direction. It provides transfer-oriented teams from the social sciences and humanities with additional access to structured support. Here you can find more information about Catalyst GER..

Incidentally, the Technical University of Munich (TU Munich) is also hosting a Social Business Meetup in April. Participation is free. You can find more information about the event here. here.