The Startup Factory Impossible Founders is launching iF Invent, a new workshop format designed to help researchers assess the innovation potential of their own work. The program will take place in Hamburg from September 25 to 27, preceded by a brief online onboarding session. Applications are being accepted through September 6.
© Impossible Founders
iF Invent provides foundational knowledge for application in the business world
iF Invent is aimed at doctoral candidates, postdocs, and early-career researchers in science, engineering, life sciences, computer science, AI, materials, sustainability, and other research-driven fields. The workshop begins before a startup idea, a patent application, or a decision to pursue technology transfer has even been formulated. No prior knowledge is therefore required; the basics are taught as part of the program itself. The up to 30 participants identify potential areas of application for a research topic, a method, a dataset, or a scientific result, and provide an initial assessment of its protectability.
The goal is to lay the groundwork for further discussions with technology transfer offices, patent experts, industry partners, or future co-founders. The workshop combines patent data analysis with expert guidance from a three-person team: Dr. Birgit Stelzer (innovation logic and reverse TRIZ, formerly of the University of Ulm and NXTGN Startup Factory), Dr. Christian Manthey (IP strategy and technology commercialization, Managing Director of AdvInno and TLB GmbH), and Dr. Simon Dewulf (AI-driven, patent-data innovation logic, Founder and CEO of Profun AI). The program concludes with mini-pitches and expert feedback. The course is conducted in English, and there is no participation fee.
