Take it to HIGHEST: your idea incubator
HIGHEST is consultant, connector and enabler. The link between science, business and industry. If you are a researcher, student, or an advocate for innovation: We are at your side from the very beginning of your endeavor – all the way to your goal.
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HIGHEST – guiding innovation at TU Darmstadt
HIGHEST supports scientists and start-ups at TU Darmstadt with developing marketable products and sustainable companies from research results and projects.
- Single point of contact for researchers and students
- Organizes events and services for startups and innovators at TU Darmstadt
- Leading incubator for deep tech and green tech in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main metropolitan region
- Drives innovation at TU Darmstadt as an innovation hub
Help starts with an H – like HIGHEST
A disruptive idea, a breakthrough in your research, or simple curiosity? HIGHEST is happy to help! Step by step, face to face, and with an excellent track record. Consulting, coaching and accompanying you on your way to becoming an entrepreneur. Not got a head for business? No problem, we can also help you to exploit your research results.
What incredible potential can an idea, a research result, or an invention have? More importantly, what problems of tomorrow can they solve? The possibilities seem endless – let’s talk about it:
ConsultingWhatever you need
We amplify success. New ideas, disruptive technologies and research that shake things up. HIGHEST has office spaces, labs, networking opportunities, and funding to get you on the road. So, no need to worry. You’re on a highway to help!
ResourcesDare to ask
If you have a question, you can find the answer. But how do you know what questions to ask? At TU Darmstadt, we teach you how to ask the right questions and offer an abundance of fundamental knowledge – in workshops, lectures, and other educational programs.
Knowledge transfer
Protect intellectual property and research results
IP and Research results are valuable. To make sure you get “what it’s worth”, HIGHEST recommends protecting your ideas as early as possible. We can assist. Just get in touch with our consulting team and IP experts – right here on campus.
Patents & IPfemales@HIGHEST
Innovative ideas need courageous women to bring them to life. The EXIST Women program specifically supports women who are ready to turn their visions into reality. With financial support, coaching, and a strong network, EXIST Women provides the optimal foundation for launching a successful startup.
learn moreExpert knowledge from the source.
No need to chase around if you know someone in the know. HIGHEST connects with successful experts from business, industry and research.
Learn more about our experts
Our successful start-ups
Sucess Story
February 26, 2026
Light for Health and a Better Mood
Sunlight governs a wide range of processes in the human body. To make these benefits available during the dark winter months, the start-up akaris is developing a mask that recreates key properties of daylight—aiming to boost wellbeing and performance in a short time, and to support people coping with shift work and jet lag.
Sucess Story
December 4, 2025
Refuge for small computers
SANCTUARY Systems: Three Darmstadt researchers make critical computers secure
Sucess Story
November 13, 2025
Abbreviations in Space
How the TU Darmstadt Startup Aperio Space Technologies Makes Satellite Data Available in Minutes Instead of Hours
Sucess Story
April 24, 2025
Borionics: Two heads, one salt – and the idea of changing Europe's energy storage system
A young team at TU Darmstadt is developing an innovative electrolyte salt for supercapacitors – efficient, recyclable and independent of Asia. A start-up with a real impact.
Sucess Story
February 20, 2025
Back to the future – smart technology for senior citizens
TUDa start-up Zenaris brings the Internet into the living room
Sucess Story
February 13, 2025
Light, stable, precise: carbon motor spindles
Carbon-Drive start-up has arrived on the market
