ipal has been evaluating and bringing to market the inventions of its alliance partners, Berlin‘s universities, polytechnics and research institutions, for almost 10 years now. Submitted innovations frequently include exceedingly interesting inventions at a very early stage. ipal’s experience has demonstrated that these inventions can be better exploited if their applicability can be demonstrated and attendant risks are eliminated.

The IBB technology and development fund provides financing for further development measures - deemed necessary by ipal - for the successful business implementation of inventions from Berlin.In many cases, a strategic further development can substantially increase the chances of an invention’s utilization - and thus its commercial value. A project‘s appeal and intrinsic value is heightened, for example, by prototyping, efficacy testing, medical indications or toxicity testing.

The divide between the current stage of development of selected projects and interest in the market can be bridged by such investments. The IBB technology and development fund provides financing for further development measures - deemed necessary by ipal - for the successful business implementation of inventions from Berlin. To be eligible for IBB funding, an inventions must be mentored by ipal and meet strict selection criteria.

As the partner of the technology and development fund, ipal assumes responsibility for this new and sustainable approach to invention commercialization. Inventions from within the network of Berlin universities and research institutions are tested for technology and development fund suitability according to strict criteria; testing is conducted, for example, to identify any obstacles that may hamper utilization. Moreover, a project’s feasibility is appraised along with an examination of the risk-reward ratio and exit perspective. The selection process is overseen by ipal as well as external appraisers and experts. In order to support certain projects, trademark rights must be sold to the fund by the proprietor.

ipal assumes responsibility for the detailed project planning as well as for the selection and management of the development partners. Thus, the patent commercialization agency takes over the entire coordination, control and monitoring of technology and development fund guided projects. At all times, the invention’s exploitation is the main focus and, throughout the course of the project, potential buyers and networks are actively identified and approached. Universities and polytechnics, or any suitable business, may serve as project partner for the planned development measures in an effort to benefit from a particularly broad scope of know-how.

Five new projects are taken up annually - with an average investment volume of 200.000 euro. Revenue is generated either from the one-time sale of trademark rights or as long-term income under license agreements. Another approach is to benefit from trademark rights for an outsourcing venture.

Key Facts of the Technology and development fund

• Volume: 10 million euro

• Revolving funds

• Focus on promising patents with high innovation potential

• 4-5 projects annually

• Average assistance per project: 200.000 euro as a direct investment

• Project development duration: 1-2 years

The Technology and development fund offers the following benefits to proprietors:

• Down payment at the transfer of trademark rights

• Financing for further development measures (either with the inventor or a third development partner)

• Percentage share of merchandising proceeds

The concept of the technology and development fund provides the following benefits for businesses:

• Lessening of the development risk

• Access to inventions and the know-how of renowned universities and research institutions in Berlin

• Augmenting the patent portfolio of a business

• Acquisition of simple, exclusive or regional licenses

• Developing of new business segments

• Enhancement of the competitive market position of a business

About the IBB technology and development fund:

The IBB technology and development fund promotes the development and commercialization of invention from Berlin’s universities and polytechnics. Its goal is to bridge the gap between any obstacles in that way of an invention’s applicability and a precisely targeted further development in the interest of commercial success. Inventions from universities and polytechnics are guided by ipal in Berlin. ipal is also active in the search and selection of projects that are suitable for the fund’s concept.

FAQ - Dr. Dirk Dantz, CEO of ipal, replied in an interview the most important questions about IBB TEF.

Which inventions are suitable for the IBB TEF? How are projects selected? Who is the owner of the IP rights? These and more questions were answered in the following interview.


Read the complete interview in German 

Further information:

Corporate press release of IBB and ipal