About the TechBridge Program

Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems

Fraunhofer TechBridge Logo

Fraunhofer R&D to Accelerate Cleantech Startups

Fraunhofer TechBridge supports the commercialization of early-stage clean energy technologies by providing R&D services, by connecting innovators with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and strategic partners; and by forging connections with a network of incubators. This innovative approach helps reduce technology risk and accelerates commercialization at the critical early stages of venture formation.

 

TechBridge Service Categories

Utility Technology Challenge

In cooperation with CTSI (Clean Technology and Sustainable Industries Organization). Demonstration and evaluation (pilot study) awards will be available to select applicants to accelerate the process of utility adoption of technologies including smart grid technology areas such as: transmission and distribution, demand response, and power electronics. This year, there is a new emphasis on demand-side building energy technologies, such as energy efficiency measures, as well as distributed generation systems. At least one award will be reserved as a U-Launch award for a New England-based company.

 

 

U-Launch: University-Developed Start-Up Acceleration 

U-Launch provides awards of cash and in-kind services to innovative clean technology startups. Selected companies can be granted a combination of R&D services, business development mentorship and physical incubation space, based on needs assessment. Fraunhofer TechBridge periodically accepts applications for U-Launch awards; check back for future solicitations.

 

Strategic Partnership Opportunities

Partnering with Fraunhofer TechBridge speeds the time from concept to prototype to marketable product by leveraging the extensive resources of the Fraunhofer Society. Fraunhofer becomes your technical partner to evaluate pipeline options and build companies. Through this unique partnership, TechBridge works with you to identify key areas of market need, source technologies to address those challenges, and apply Fraunhofer resources to develop and demonstrate solutions. 

 

 

Fraunhofer Spin-Out Assistance 

In conjunction with Fraunhofer Ventures in Munich, Germany, the TechBridge staff works to aid in the U.S. commercialization and licensing of Fraunhofer-developed clean energy technologies within regional markets. 

 

 

Connecting to Fraunhofer Researchers

The TechBridge team can help small companies identify relevant R&D capabilities within Fraunhofer's research networks. For promising technologies, TechBridge can also help identify sources of funding through investors, strategic corporate partners and government grant programs.

 

 

 

Learn more about the TechBridge Program:

 
"TechBridge fills an important need in the ecosystem for innovators and entrepreneurs. We are very happy to have them here."

 

-- Bill Aulet
Senior Lecturer and
Managing Director, MIT Entrepreneurship Center

Contact Us

Thank you for your interest in TechBridge. We look forward to hearing from you.

617-575-7250

TechBridge@fraunhofer.org