IFW_IQ-funding

Validate your technology. Unlock real-world impact. Turning technology into tangible solutions.

IFW_Innovation Quest (IQ)

A better workflow

Our validation funding program (IFW_Innovation Quest: IFW_IQ) [link Funding program] helps you take your research-based technology from TRL 4 to the next level – by testing it under real-world conditions, developing prototypes, and gathering user or market feedback and developing your team.

This initiative is supported by SMWA (Saxon State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labour, Energy and Climate Protection) and represents a unique opportunity in Germany: a dedicated program to bridge the critical gap between promising research and applied innovation.

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What is TRL 4?

Our validation funding program IQ@IFW helps you take your research-based technology from TRL 4 to the next level – by testing it under real-world conditions, developing prototypes, and gathering user or market feedback and developing your team.

Typical questions you have when moving from TRL 4 to TRL 5/6:

  • How does my technology perform under realistic conditions?
  • Can it be built into a working prototype?
  • Is it scalable, reliable, and cost-effective?
  • Who could help validate it in an applied setting?

Read more about Readiness Level

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From Idea to Application

Our validation funding empowers researchers to bridge the critical gap between laboratory results and real-world impact. If your technology has reached TRL 4, we help you move forward with testing, prototyping, and early market validation.

Program Focus

  • What We Support We fund projects that aim to validate innovative technologies under practical conditions. Whether you need proof of functionality, performance tests, or initial user feedback – we help you strengthen your idea and prepare it for transfer to industry and society.
  • Who Can Apply Eligible applicants include researchers and scientific teams from IFW Dresden whose technologies have reached at least TRL 4 (proof of concept validated in laboratory environment). Interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration with potential users are encouraged.

    If you are not sure about TRL level or elegibility: check your idea idea check formular
    read more about readiness level

Eligible Activities / What We Fund / Funding can cover activities such as:

  • Development of prototypes or demonstrators
  • Testing under near-real conditions
  • Initial user or customer feedback studies
  • Market analyses and feasibility assessments
  • Strengthening intellectual property (e.g., patent filings)

Find suitable meassures to reach next level of your idea Available funding modules

Our Goal

Why We Fund Validation

The goal is to accelerate the transition from promising research to applied innovation. Validation makes your technology more robust, more attractive for industry partnerships, and ready for societal impact.

Ready to take the next step?

Apply now and let’s bring your technology to life!

Apply for Validation Support Unsure? Read FAQs Book a consultation