Join HAFIS and Gain the Skills to Make a Real-World Impact
HAFIS is a project-based training program designed for researchers across
all disciplines who seek to translate their research findings into innovations and career opportunities. They develop new skills, innovate, and create lasting solutions.
Your Helmholtz Academy for Intrapreneurship: HAFIS
Many brilliant researchers struggle to bridge the gap between their discoveries and practical applications. The Helmholtz Academy HAFIS empowers them to identify and implement transfer projects based on their research, skills and motivation. Open for all researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich, HAFIS provides a no-cost, project-based training program to explore and develop new skills as well as real-world solutions.
Discover your benefits
Flexible Project Scope From knowledge and technology transfer to start-ups
Interdisciplinary Networking Share ideas and gain feedback from peers
Career Exploration Discover diverse professional opportunities beyond academia
Effective Communication Enhance your skills and present research clearly to a broad audience
New Community Join a like-minded community from different Helmholtz Centers
Resource Mobilization Gain skills to attract funds and support for projects
Visibility Increase the recognition of your research
Practical Application Implement new methods and see your research in action
Professional Growth Expand your career options and build key partnerships
Career Advancement Enhance your career prospects by acquiring valuable knowledge and skills that are highly sought after in both academia and industry
What to expect
Workshops, coachings and project development in one
The nine-month program includes three events, various workshops and individual coaching sessions. Building on research findings you will develop your chosen project starting from creating ideas to developing a prototype.
Go solo or collaborate
Work on your own project idea or explore the world of innovation and transfer by joining interdisciplinary groups – or join as a pre-formed team.
Craft services, products or offerings
In HAFIS you will explore tools and methods like the business model canvas and project plans to support you in turning your research into a product, service or offering.
Interdisciplinary expertise
The program is entirely in English and will be conducted by experts from the four participating centers (FZJ, KIT, GSI and HZDR).
🟧 Business Modelling & Understanding the Problem End October 24 Forschungszentrum Jülich
🟧 IP Utilization & Prototyping Mid-December 24 Forschungszentrum Jülich
🟧 Science Communication & Storytelling Mid-January 25 Forschungszentrum Jülich
🟦 Sparring & Coaching as needed Forschungszentrum Jülich
Part 2
Dive Deeper
🟩 Mid-Term 5th & 6th February 25 Berlin
🟧 Mobilizing Resources & Stakeholder Management March 25 Forschungszentrum Jülich
🟧 Roadmap & Pitching May 25 Forschungszentrum Jülich
🟦 Sparring & Coaching as needed Forschungszentrum Jülich
Part 3
Get on stage
🟩 Impact Day 25th & 26th June 25 Dresden
🟧 Power-ups with all teams of FZJ in-person ⠀ 🟩 Events with all participating centers in-person ⠀ 🟦 Individual for each team
Explore the Power-Ups
Business Modelling & Understanding the Problem
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
IP Utilization & Prototyping
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
Science Communication & Storytelling
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
Mobilizing Resources & Stakeholder Engagement
Discover strategies for identifying and securing the resources needed to bring your ideas to life
Identify, engage, and manage stakeholders effectively
Team Formation
Understand the dynamics of forming effective teams
Roadmap & Pitching
Learn how to present your ideas clearly and convincingly to investors, partners, and other key stakeholders
Get a handle on the next steps
Sparring & Coaching
Refine your ideas, strategies and skills with direct feedback from a coach
Foster growth, clarity, and performance improvement through constructive dialogue and practical exercises
FAQ: Your most frequent questions quickly answered
What is the HAFIS scope of work?
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
Do I need to start my project with my own idea?
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.
What if I can't find teammates for my project idea?
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.
What are the prerequisites to join the HAFIS academy?
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.
Will participation in the HAFIS academy require travel?
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.
What types of project transfers are supported?
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.
What is the overall experience like?
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.
Who is HAFIS for?
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.
Open for Applications May 2025
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Get ready for HAFIS 2025
Join HAFIS and transform your research into real-world solutions.