On this page, we present the current Innovation Grant projects. Get an overview of the latest funded transfer-related science projects at the University of Tübingen.
On this page, we present the current Innovation Grant projects. Get an overview of the latest funded transfer-related science projects at the University of Tübingen.
Naybel Hernandez-Perez
[S,S]-Ethylenediamine disuccinate ([S,S]-EDDS) is a biodegradable chelating agent produced by the bacterial strain Amycolatopsis japonicum. Chelating agents are used whenever metal ions interfere with a reaction or a certain ion concentration needs to be kept constant. They are used commercially in numerous applications such as textile and paper processing, detergents, agricultural fertilizers as well as for cosmetics, food and medical products.
The most commonly used industrial chelating agent is ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA). It is chemically synthesized using non-renewable fossil resources and is non-biodegradable, making it difficult to remove in conventional wastewater treatment plants. Due to environmental concerns, the use of EDTA is being increasingly restricted for many applications in Western European countries and the use of alternative, biodegradable chelators is being called for. One such alternative is [S,S]-EDDS; it has similar complexing properties to EDTA but is completely biodegradable in this isomeric form.
During her doctoral thesis, Ms. Hernandez-Perez made genetic modifications to A. japonicum in order to improve [S,S]-EDDS production. One of the aims of the funded project is to produce a “super plasmid” that contains all the genes that have shown a positive effect on [S,S]-EDDS production.
Timm Schäfle
In his doctoral thesis, Mr. Schäfle developed an analytical instrument that can examine biological samples non-invasively, i.e. without causing damage. Molecules are ionized by a cold helium plasma, which can then be identified in a mass spectrometer. Living bacteria, for example, can continue to grow during the examination and continue to produce metabolites. This allows the cells to be examined over a long period of time without losing information by destroying the sample, as is the case with conventional methods. As part of the Innovation Grant, the complete analytical potential is to be clarified, combined with the development of two further instruments that also enable the direct examination of human tissue (in vivo) as well as a longer observation of changes over time.
Or Shalev-Skriptchak
The chemical capabilities of microbes are used for many industrial applications, such as the production of food and pharmaceuticals and the purification of wastewater. Unlike most synthetic compounds, microbial products are often biodegradable and non-toxic. They can therefore be used as environmentally friendly alternatives in most cases. A major limiting factor for the wider application of microbes in industrial processes is the difficulty in finding the right microbes for the right problem. In order to analyze microbes for desired properties, throughput is crucial. Therefore, novel methods are needed to more easily identify microbes with commercially interesting properties.
In this project, a platform technology will be developed that makes it possible to test 10 million microbes in a single day for the production of various chemicals as well as for the presence of desired enzymatic functions. This novel method should make it possible to effectively screen the huge diversity of the microbial world and thus make its immense biochemical potential accessible.
Kjell zum Berge
Weather forecasts offer us great added value and planning security. However, the quality of the forecast deteriorates significantly with the length of the forecast period. In order to improve forecasts and simulations, it is important to know parameters such as wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, air pressure and humidity over the entire height of the lower atmosphere. Previous stationary measuring systems are unable to do this. In this project, an automatic flight system (“drone”) is to be equipped with sensors to determine the above-mentioned measured variables up to a flight altitude of 1000 m above the ground with high temporal resolution. This combines the great flexibility of mobile measurement with the high accuracy of the sensors used.
Timur Weber
With ongoing technological progress in fields such as quantum computing, nanotechnology, and materials science, the demand for sensors capable of precisely measuring extremely small magnetic signals continues to grow. As part of the EU-funded project “FIBsuperProbes,” a high-resolution sensor based on a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) has been developed, which is essential for applications in these fields. This sensor, designed for scanning probe microscopy, offers unprecedented magnetic sensitivity and spatial resolution. It overcomes critical disadvantages of existing SQUID technologies and other competing methods, addressing the growing market demand for highly precise sensors for magnetic imaging. Collaborations with leading research and industry institutions support the project. This innovation holds promising prospects for both academic research and industry applications. Therefore, Mr. Weber plans to optimize the product with the support of the Innovation Grant and develop a business model to prepare for the establishment of a spin-off.
Marvin Braun
Herbicides play an important role in agricultural production and in the control of unwanted vegetation, for example along railway tracks. At the same time, glyphosate-based products are increasingly being questioned due to potential environmental impacts and the growing occurrence of herbicide-resistant weeds. As a result, there is an increasing demand for effective and environmentally friendly alternatives.
This project focuses on the natural compound 7-deoxysedoheptulose (7dSh), which was originally discovered in cyanobacteria. Initial laboratory and greenhouse studies have demonstrated that 7dSh can effectively inhibit plant growth while posing a lower ecotoxicological risk than glyphosate. The project's goal is to further develop this technology and create a practical prototype for use in arable farming, fruit production, and viticulture.
To achieve this, the project will investigate the effectiveness of 7dSh against additional problematic weed species, optimize formulations for real-world application conditions, and evaluate their performance in greenhouse trials. In addition, the project will develop plants that are tolerant to the compound.
The project aims to lay the foundation for a novel bio-based herbicide that offers a sustainable and competitive alternative to existing products, with potential applications in both agriculture and specialized settings such as vegetation management along railway infrastructure.
Payal Nashier
Mass spectrometry has become an essential tool in clinical microbiology, enabling the identification of pathogens and the investigation of their molecular characteristics. However, sample preparation remains a major bottleneck, involving multiple processing steps and requiring up to two days to analyze a single bacterial isolate. In particular, the disruption of bacterial cells is a challenging and time-consuming part of the workflow.
The aim of this project is to develop a novel microcolumn system based on graphene materials that can rapidly and efficiently lyse bacterial cells while integrating additional sample preparation steps. The resulting modular platform is designed to combine cell lysis, protein processing, and sample cleanup with optimized mass spectrometry analysis. Its performance will be evaluated using a range of model and pathogenic bacterial species and benchmarked against established methods.
By reducing sample preparation times from several days to only a few hours, the project seeks to enable high-throughput proteomic analysis. Through the combination of innovative graphene materials and advanced column chromatography, this technology has the potential to establish a new standard in clinical proteomics. It promises faster, more cost-effective, and scalable diagnostic workflows, with broad applications in infectious disease research, therapeutic development, and microbiome studies.
Rajat Agarwala
Presbyopia is an age-related visual impairment in which the eye's crystalline lens gradually loses its natural ability to accommodate. As a result, affected individuals rely on reading glasses, progressive lenses, or contact lenses, which provide only static vision correction and are often associated with limitations such as optical distortions, reduced comfort, or impaired depth perception.
This project aims to develop a bio-inspired, dynamic vision correction system that replicates the natural focusing mechanism of the human eye. The core technology consists of fluid-membrane-based tunable lenses with an optical power range of −3 to +3 diopters. An integrated eye-tracking system determines the user's gaze direction, while a MEMS-based LiDAR sensor measures the viewing distance. Based on this information, the optical power of the lens is adjusted automatically and continuously in real time.
A wearable laboratory prototype has already been successfully developed and validated. During the project period, this prototype will be further advanced into a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for people with presbyopia. Key objectives include system personalization as well as optimization of the control algorithms.
The project is being conducted at the ZEISS Vision Science Lab at the University of Tübingen, providing ideal conditions for technology transfer and industrial development. Furthermore, the insights and technologies generated by the project may also have significant implications for applications in virtual and augmented reality.
Friedrich Gabel
People with disabilities face significantly higher risks in disaster situations than other population groups. One major reason is that their needs are still not systematically considered in disaster management. Instead, concepts and practices are often shaped by stereotypical perceptions and generalized assumptions about what is considered "normal."
At the same time, both the group of people with disabilities and the requirements for a more inclusive approach to disaster management often remain insufficiently defined. The project which is supported by the Innovation Grant therefore aims to work collaboratively with people with different types of impairments to identify concrete requirements for a more appropriate consideration of their needs in disaster management. In addition, the project seeks to make related tensions and challenges visible and address them in a practical and actionable way.
The main outcome of the project will be a requirements framework for disaster management. This framework is intended to provide guidance for adaptation measures in disaster preparedness and emergency response, while also supporting the sensitization and training of emergency personnel.
Panagiota-Hanna Koutsandrea
This project aims to develop a novel selection system for molecular biology and biotechnology applications. At its core is the antibiotic Mureidomycin A, which will be used as a new tool for selecting genetically modified bacteria. Such selection systems are essential for studying, maintaining, and engineering microorganisms carrying specific genes or plasmids.
To enable future commercialization, the project will establish a cost-effective production process for Mureidomycin A. This will involve both improving the bacterial strains that produce the compound and optimizing the manufacturing process, including scale-up to pilot production.
Building on this foundation, a new selection kit will be developed, particularly for biotechnologically important bacteria such as Pseudomonas species, for which only a limited number of effective selection tools are currently available. After validation under laboratory conditions, the system will be patented and licensed to established suppliers of life science reagents for commercial distribution.
By providing an innovative and practical tool for genetic engineering, the project will strengthen research capabilities in biotechnology and support the development of advanced microbial production systems.
