| Time: | August 3 – 5, 2026 |
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How can research results be translated into new application areas and innovation opportunities? The Patent to Opportunity (P2O) workshop series provides researchers with practical methods to identify new use cases for their research using an AI-powered patent analysis tool and to develop innovative solution concepts based on these insights.
In addition to working with a global patent database, participants will have the opportunity to connect with researchers from different disciplines and collaborate with experts in innovation, TRIZ, and technology transfer.
Open to all disciplines — students, PhD candidates, postdocs
What You Will Learn
Participants will learn how to:
- analyze the potential of their research using an AI-powered patent database,
- identify new application areas, market trends, and commercialization opportunities,
- present their research findings effectively to industry and other relevant stakeholders,
- recognize innovation opportunities at an early stage and build valuable professional connections.
Participants who successfully complete the workshop will receive a certificate.
Open to all disciplines — students, PhD candidates, postdocs
Experts
The workshop series is led by:
- Dr. Simon Dewulf, CEO, AULIVE / Patent Inspiration
- Dr. Birgit Stelzer, TRIZ Expert
- Bernd Haussmann, TRIZ Expert
Event Details
Date: 3–5 August 2026, daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Ulm University / KI Campus Ulm (in-person)
Language: English
Target Group: Students, doctoral candidates (PhD students), and postdoctoral researchers from all disciplines. No prior knowledge of computer science or patents is required.
Application Deadline: 26 July 2026
Participation: The workshop is limited to 30 participants. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
The program is coordinated by Melanie Kamrath (Ulm University Entrepreneurs Campus) and Denis Nakov (NXTGN Management GmbH).
The "Patent to Opportunity" format is carried out by Ulm University as part of the NXTGN Startup Factory, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) under the EXIST "Startup Factories" program.