Fireside Talk with Thomas Neumann
From Research to Real-World Impact – Insights from KIT's Startup Ecosystem
On June 8th, 2026, the graduate school "UpGrade Mobility" welcomed Thomas Neumann for an engaging fireside talk. As Co-Lead Entrepreneurship Services & Shareholdings at KIT and Head of the KIT-Gründerschmiede — one of Germany's largest university startup centers -Thomas brings deep expertise at the intersection of research, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer. Moderated by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Eric Sax, the conversation covered the journey from research to real-world impact, the importance of entrepreneurial thinking, and how to navigate the transition from idea to scalable venture. Participants gained valuable insights into startup ecosystems, funding pathways, and building a purpose-driven career in innovation. The graduate school sincerely thanks Thomas for his inspiring talk and the many practical examples he shared.