The European alliance EUTOPIA is launching the third edition of the Innovation Challenges for Researchers, this year organised by TU Dresden under the theme “Patents in Search of New Business”. This international experience is aimed at PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and early-career researchers with an interest in innovation, technology transfer and academic entrepreneurship.

The programme will take place from 24 to 28 August 2026 in Saxony (Germany) and is designed for participants who want to work with real patents and technologies, either to further develop their own technology towards a startup or to join entrepreneurial teams in interdisciplinary environments.

Throughout the week, participants will work in international teams on patents from TU Dresden, universities within the EUTOPIA network, and other European institutions, supported by experts in innovation and technology transfer to develop product ideas, use cases and business models.

The programme consists of five intensive days of training, including team-building activities, thematic sessions on intellectual property and patents, entrepreneurship content, personalised mentoring, and the development of a final pitch with potential follow-up opportunities. Overall, it offers a unique experience of training, collaboration and connection with key actors in the innovation and tech entrepreneurship ecosystem.

What can you expect?

• Work with real patents and technologies
• Interdisciplinary and international teams
• Exchange with inventors and researchers
• Training in ideation, business models and startup creation
• Mentoring from experienced experts and professionals
• Development of a startup pitch
• Final presentation in front of an external jury
• Networking and connection with the innovation ecosystem

Who can apply?

• Researchers from the UPF community
• Applicants with a technical or scientific background, or training in economics/business administration
• Minimum English level B2 (or equivalent native proficiency certification)

Selection process

The selection takes place in two phases: a pre-selection by UPF based on CVs and criteria such as excellence, innovation capacity and entrepreneurial potential; and a final selection by TU Dresden, which assigns participants to teams and patents through a matching process.

You can find the full call details here and apply via the online form before 18 May 2026 at 14:00.

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