Jena. 10.09.2026 – With the new model project “jETZT – Jena Experimental Space for Transfer and Collaboration in Photonics,” the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, non-university research institutions, and the Free State of Thuringia aim to fundamentally simplify cooperation between science and industry. The goal is to bring good ideas from research to application more quickly and to reduce bureaucratic and legal hurdles.
- Project Name: jETZT (Jena Experimental Space for Transfer and Collaboration in Photonics)
- Funding Period: July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031
- Funding: 500,000 Euros from the VolkswagenStiftung
- Participating Partners: Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Fraunhofer IOF, Leibniz-IPHT, Helmholtz-Institut Jena (HIJ), TMBWK, TMWLLR
Jena as a Living Lab for Technology Transfer
The science hub of Jena possesses an internationally visible innovation ecosystem, particularly in the field of photonics. Here, basic research, application-oriented development, and economic utilization have traditionally been closely intertwined. The “jETZT” project builds on this strength and acts as a living lab where new forms of cross-institutional collaboration are tested.
The focus is on two central pillars: First, high-quality research infrastructures—such as large-scale equipment and laboratory facilities—are to be shared more easily and in a standardized manner in the future. In addition to the participating institutes, technology-oriented companies and start-ups will benefit from this. Second, access to know-how is to be accelerated, while flexible career paths and staff rotation will facilitate the exchange of talent between research and industry.
Reducing Administrative Hurdles
To facilitate sustainable cooperation, the project also addresses the legal and administrative framework. Issues such as shared resource utilization, tax law requirements, or accounting procedures should no longer need to be regulated individually for every project. Standardized processes are intended to create legal certainty and minimize bureaucratic effort.
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Background: The Nationwide Program
The “jETZT” project is one of ten initiatives nationwide funded by the VolkswagenStiftung from 2026 to 2031 to test new approaches for the further development of the German science and innovation system. The solutions developed and tested in practice in Jena are intended to be made available to other science hubs in Germany after successful completion and to provide impulses for science policy.
The project in Thuringia is supported by the Thuringian Ministry for Education, Science and Culture and the Thuringian Ministry for Economy, Agriculture and Rural Areas to examine necessary adjustments at the state level.
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jETZT: Jena as an experimental space for future research collaborations
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.