TUTECH INNOVATION GMBH

TUTECH INNOVATION GMBH (Tutech) was set up in 1992 by the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) as the first private technology transfer company founded by a German university. Since 2004, it has been jointly owned by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg following a merger with a regional development agency. Its mission is to promote the effective transfer and exploitation of scientific and technical knowledge to serve both public and private interests.

Tutech’s turnover is €15 million and its core staff of 40 provide consultancy, management and support services which are also in demand from other organisations outside the region. Tutech handles some 400 contracts on behalf of the TUHH per year, and has helped to set up or manage some 20 FP7 projects.

Tutech is home to Hamburg’s Patent Exploitation Agency (PVA) which has a strong focus on medical technologies, diagnostics, novel materials, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, chemicals and process technologies. It has generated more than €600,000 in patent sales revenues and more than €8 million in third party research contracts based around IP offers. Tutech also manages the ‘Hamburg Living Lab’ network of researchers and companies involved in biomechanics, implant technology and dental technology in the Metropolitan Region of Hamburg.

Partner contribution
Tutech is leader of work package 6, coordinates all activities relating to exploitation and dissemination, acts as a mediator for exploitation interests, organises symposia and other knowledge transfer events, and develops and maintains the project website.