UNIPRENEURS Honors Stefan Bräse

Professor Stefan Bräse of KIT is one of the 20 award recipients in 2026 to be recognized for their commitment to entrepreneurship and university spin-offs
Stefan Bräse at the UNIPRENEURS award ceremony. Jürgen A. Morgenroth / Stifterverband
Stefan Bräse (center) receives the UNIPRENEURS award (detailed caption below).

To ensure that scientific findings are translated into practical applications as quickly as possible, academic spin-offs play a crucial role. In recognition of his longstanding commitment to start-up creation and entrepreneurship, Professor Stefan Bräse of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) received the UNIPRENEURS award in Berlin on September 22, 2026. It is considered the highest honor for exceptional dedication to fostering university spin-offs. 

Combining Research, Technology Transfer, and Entrepreneurship

Stefan Bräse has been a professor of organic chemistry at KIT since 2003 and heads its Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems – Functional Molecular Systems. For many years, he has supported aspiring entrepreneurs at KIT and mentored early-career researchers as they develop their business ideas. He co-founded the OLED company Cynora, among other ventures. In addition, numerous other start-ups have emerged from his academic environment, including the quantum computing company Kipu Quantum.

Together with the Collège des Ingénieurs, Bräse also initiated the Science & Management MBA program. It prepares doctoral students for leadership roles at the intersection of science, innovation, and industry. “As a professor, I see it as my responsibility to support young scientists with their innovative ideas and to accompany them on their journey toward founding a company,” says Bräse.

UNIPRENEURS is an initiative dedicated to strengthening university spin-offs at German higher education institutions. The Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft is responsible for organizing and implementing the joint initiative. A total of around 800 nominations for the award were submitted by founders from across Germany.

lkr, September 23, 2026

Photo:
Matthias Hauer (left), Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space, and Johannes Steiniger (right), Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, present the UNIPRENEURS Award to Stefan Bräse (center).