Strong partnership: IHK and Chemnitz University of Technology promote innovation and start-ups!

Strong partnership: IHK and Chemnitz University of Technology promote innovation and start-ups!

As part of a sustainable collaboration between the Chemnitz Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) and the Chemnitz University of Technology (TU), the close cooperation will continue until 2025. This was confirmed in mid-May 2025 by the signing of a new annual work program by Kathleen Spranger, President of the IHK, and Prof. Dr. Uwe Götze, Rector of the TU, officially sealed it. The aim of this partnership is to strengthen the connection between science and business in the southwest Saxony region in order to create a solid basis for innovation.

The 2025 annual work program focuses on three central topic areas. These include knowledge and technology transfer, start-up support as well as study orientation and securing skilled workers. In the area of ​​knowledge and technology transfer, the aim is to convert research results into marketable innovations in order to strengthen the region's competitiveness. The promotion of business start-ups is intended to stimulate entrepreneurial thinking and provide new economic impulses.

Securing skilled workers and study orientation

Another central concern of both institutions is the enthusiasm of young talents to study in Chemnitz. This is intended to create long-term relationships as skilled workers in the region. The annual work program emphasizes the importance of practical research, entrepreneurial commitment and regional innovative strength through various events, committee work and effective communication.

This cooperation is an example of the “Innovative University” funding initiative, which promotes study programs and research projects at the interface of business, culture and society. According to bmbf.de This initiative enables research transfer to develop creative solutions to social challenges. The focus here is particularly on small and medium-sized universities and technical colleges.

Regional networking and innovation promotion

The initiative offers a total funding volume of up to 550 million euros from 2018 to 2027, with the second funding round (2023-2027) providing up to 285 million euros. Funded universities work closely with regional companies as well as educational and research institutions to ensure the sustainable transfer of knowledge. The transfer process is mutually oriented, which promotes increased collaboration with social partners.

In a broader international context, it is also worth mentioning that German universities are increasingly active in international collaborations. The goal here is to develop study programs and faculties abroad. The code for German university projects abroad adopted by the HRK sets minimum qualitative requirements to ensure the quality and ethics of cooperation. The international aspects also offer a valuable addition to regional networking and innovative strength.

Overall, the close cooperation between the IHK Chemnitz and the TU Chemnitz as well as the overarching commitment to the “Innovative University” shows how universities contribute significantly to the development of the region through effective networks and cooperation and thus open up new perspectives for the future.