The Technische Universität München is participating in the Catalyst GER program together with seven other universities. The goal is to bring research results from the social sciences and humanities more strongly into practical application. The program is aimed across the region at research teams and Munich startups that want to transfer their findings into practice either in the form of a startup or through other transfer routes. The application deadline is May 4, 2026.
Catalyst GER thus addresses an area where founding and transfer structures have historically been less developed than in technological spin-offs. The program also reaches teams that have not yet been engaged through classical startup programs.
The TU München and partners want to respond to a gap in transfer: While technological spin-offs are frequently supported, established structures are often lacking for social science approaches. Catalyst GER aims to close this gap and support researchers in developing concrete applications.
The focus is on questions such as democratic participation, public health, or livable cities. According to TU München, approaches with social impact regularly emerge in these areas. However, the transfer into concrete projects or organizations does not always succeed.
Three-stage training program
Catalyst GER is structured as a multi-stage training program. The first phase begins on March 27 with online courses for researchers. In this first phase, the respective online course provides basics and tools for knowledge transfer. Researchers gain insights into possible application areas and learn to define target groups for their work.
In the second phase, teams can apply with concrete projects until May 4. In workshops, they work on further developing their approaches. The focus is not exclusively on startup foundings. Models such as consulting services, training formats, or 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, policy makers, and social enterprises.”
The program is part of the university’s strategic direction. For transfer-oriented teams from the social sciences and humanities, this creates additional access to structured support. Find out more about Catalyst GER here.
By the way, the TU München is also inviting you to the Social Business Meetup in April. Participation is free. Find out more about the event here.
