Knowledge and Technology Transfer

The Worldfactory connects science and business

The WORLDFACTORY bridges the gap between research and its application. Only when knowledge and new technologies are put into practice the society can benefit. We help to protect intellectual property and bring scientists and students of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum in contact with innovative companies.

Further information on transfer at Ruhr-Universität Bochum.

People sit at a table and exchange ideas.
Young woman talking to two people at a table.

Exchanging knowledge and experience

Science has to be connected to practice. In return, research is often the driving force for entrepreneurial development. Consequently, both sides benefit from professional exchange. At the WORLDFACTORY science meets business which creates a starting point for successful collaborations.

Here entrepreneurs can find

  • professional exchange with scientists of the region
  • access to current insights from research projects at the RUB
  • contact to researchers who are open for cooperation
  • opportunities to bring practical experience into teaching and thus strengthen the practical relevance of university education

Contact persons: Dr.-Ing. Ulrike Beißert and Maike Liebetanz.

Two people sitting in the audience talking to each other.
A group of people talking.

Here reserachers can find

  • information on intellectual property rights and current RUB patents
  • support in transferring a specific IP ("intellectual property")
  • professional evaluation and promotion of inventions in cooperation with PROvendis, a service provider for patent management and evaluation
  • support in all questions regarding knowledge and technology transfer

Events

64. Patent Seminar: A Competitive Edge Through Patent Information

Patents contain a wealth of technical information. In the scientific community, patent information serves as a vital resource for research activities. At the same time, it is a key indicator of future market trends. Every company should therefore leverage this information to gain or maintain a competitive advantage.
Organizer
CET - TU Dortmund
Format
Seminar
Date
29.09.2026
Begin
14:00 o'clock
End
18:30 o'clock
Location
Dortmund
Target group
Start-ups, Scientists, Studierende
to the "64. Patent Seminar: A Competitive Edge Through Patent Information" event information

E-Learning to Intellectual Property – IP Drivers License

The protection of intellectual property—known internationally as Intellectual Property (IP)—is not a marginal legal issue. It is the foundation for spin-offs, a strategic tool for companies, and a safety net for researchers. Anyone who develops innovations should also know how to protect them. This is exactly where the IP License comes in.
Organizer
PROVendis
Format
Seminar
Date
30.09.2026
Begin
11:30 o'clock
End
12:00 o'clock
Target group
Scientists, Start-ups, Studierende
to the "E-Learning to Intellectual Property – IP Drivers License" event information

An Overview of Intellectual Property Rights - Patents – Trademarks – Designs – Software & More

Research results constitute intellectual property (IP). They have value, are marketable, and should therefore be protected against imitation. The seminar provides an overview of possible intellectual property rights.
Organizer
PROVendis
Format
Seminar
Date
06.10.2026
Begin
10:00 o'clock
End
11:30 o'clock
Location
Online
Target group
Scientists, Start-ups, Inquisite Minds
to the "An Overview of Intellectual Property Rights - Patents – Trademarks – Designs – Software & More" event information

Basics of Patent Law

Technical inventions are of great importance in science. Therefore, legal protection against unauthorized use by third parties in the form of a patent (national or international) is essential. With this introductory seminar in the higher education context, we aim to raise awareness of their value and utility—drawing on a wealth of specialist expertise.
Organizer
PROVendis
Format
Seminar
Date
03.11.2026
Begin
10:00 o'clock
End
11:30 o'clock
Location
Online
Target group
Start-ups, Studierende, Scientists
to the "Basics of Patent Law" event information

Copyright Basics

The range of works protected by copyright is remarkably broad. It encompasses texts, literary works, graphics, photographs, films, choreographies, architecture, visual arts, and functional products, as well as scientific and technical illustrations. The webinar focuses on the various types of works protected by copyright, as well as their legal classification and handling within the higher education context.
Organizer
PROVendis
Format
Seminar
Date
10.11.2026
Begin
10:00 o'clock
End
11:30 o'clock
Location
Online
Target group
Scientists, Start-ups, Inquisite Minds and more
to the "Copyright Basics" event information

For scientists

If you have any questions about knowledge and technology transfer, please contact:

Portait Nils Elsner
Dr. Nils Elsner

Patents Consultancy

Portrait Ulrike Beißert
Dr. Ulrike Beißert

Transfer Management

Lea Glania

Office Management