Join HAFIS and Gain the Skills to Make a Real-World Impact

• Identify and understand the customer's pain points and need
• Learn techniques to gather and analyze customer insights to ensure your solution is relevant and impactful
• Explore a business model framework to design and validate your business idea

• Get to know the fundamentals of intellectual property (IP) and how to protect and leverage it effectively
• Essentials of creating prototypes and conducting tests to validate your product concept

• Master the art of communicating ideas in a compelling and persuasive manner
• Find out how to create narratives that resonate with your audience and reinforce your brand message

• Discover strategies for identifying and securing the resources needed to bring your ideas to life
• Identify, engage, and manage stakeholders effectively

• Understand the dynamics of forming effective teams

• Learn how to present your ideas clearly and convincingly to investors, partners, and other key stakeholders
• Get a handle on the next steps

• Refine your ideas, strategies and skills with direct feedback from a coach
• Foster growth, clarity, and performance improvement through constructive dialogue and practical exercises

Events: 3 x 2-day workshops (on-site)

Power-Ups: 5 x ½ day focused sessions (on-site)

Individual Coaching: Personalized support as needed

Working Phases: as needed

Starting with a concrete idea is beneficial, but it's not necessary. You can explore potential projects during our kick-off event, and collaboration is highly encouraged.

By the end of the kick-off event, you'll have formed teams and can either pursue your own idea or collaborate on others' ideas.

While you can work solo on your project, we recommend forming a team with fellow researchers you meet at the kick-off event. Teams will be established by the end of the event, providing you with the opportunity to work collaboratively or independently with the support of your peers.

To join the HAFIS academy, you must be affiliated with one of the participating Helmholtz Centers (HZDR, FZJ, GSI, KIT). No prior experience in similar projects or a concrete project idea is required. We'll guide and support you throughout the process.

The events will take place at various locations. The kick-off and the impact day will be located close to a participating Helmholtz Center. In between, the Power Ups will take place locally and can partly be joined digitally.

Events will be held at various locations. The kick-off and impact day events will be near a participating Helmholtz Center. Power Ups will take place locally and can be partially attended digitally.

The HAFIS academy supports various transfer formats, from knowledge and technology transfer to starting your own business. This flexible approach allows participants to pursue project ideas that align with their professional and personal interests.

We aim to inspire participants, facilitate exchanges with business and industry partners, and support them from their initial desire to create impactful research to the realization of their projects.

HAFIS is designed for researchers and research teams of all career stages and research fields, providing the tools and resources you need to thrive:

Early Career Reseacher
Lay a solid foundation in innovation and entrepreneurship, setting yourself up for success.

Mid-Career Researcher
Broaden your skill set and explore new career pathways, propelling your research to the next level.

Estalished Researcher
Leverage your expertise to create high-impact innovations, making a significant contribution to your field.