"I like collaborations that are very practice-oriented"

Andreas Binkert ensures that knowledge and newly developed technologies find their way into society and the economy - he heads the Technology Transfer Office at the ZHAW School of Engineering. In this short interview, he explains how cooperation between universities and SMEs works.

Dr. Andreas Binkert is Head of Support Research & Development at the ZHAW School of Engineering.

The ZHAW researches closely with companies and public organizations and develops new, practical solutions for its partners. © ZHAW

Mr Binkert, can you briefly introduce yourself and your work at the ZHAW School of Engineering?
I have been the central point of contact for research inquiries at the ZHAW School of Engineering for almost ten years and know the skills and capabilities of our institutes and centers very well. This enables me to mediate very efficiently between companies and our researchers and put the right people in touch. My own background is in materials science, and in my last job I packaged implants. But in my current job, I deal with researchers and companies from all areas of application, which always gives me very exciting insights into new areas and ideas.

How does a cooperation between an SME and the ZHAW School of Engineering work? What success stories do you have about this?
Collaborations can take many forms. A collaboration often begins with a student's work. Practical tasks from SMEs are usually very attractive for students - because the SME may be able to get to know potential employees straight away. Then there are the actual research and innovation projects, where business, the public and the university work together on a topic. These range from preliminary studies lasting a few weeks, to two- to three-year projects, to collaborative projects worth millions. These projects are often co-financed by the public sector, e.g. Innosuisse, foundations, federal offices or the EU. Pure service contracts are less of a focus, as we do not want to compete with private service providers. I personally like collaborations that are very practice-oriented. In recent years, for example, our photovoltaic experts have done a lot of research into vertically mounted solar panels. My colleague Hartmut Nussbaumer was able to use this knowledge to scientifically support the Winterthur-based company solarzaun.ch, which offers a garden fence made of photovoltaic cells. Such projects contribute directly to the energy transition and are immediately available to everyone.

Who can collaborate with the ZHAW School of Engineering?
In principle, companies and organizations of all kinds can collaborate with the ZHAW School of Engineering - and also with the other departments. Our research groups are used to contributing their knowledge and expertise in the interests of our application partners without compromising the scientific work. Ultimately, of course, it's always about finding the right people who can establish a mutually beneficial and productive collaboration. Perhaps the first step is just a phone call away?

Contact:
Dr. Andreas Binkert
ZHAW School of Engineering
Technology Transfer Office
Technikumstrasse 9
8400 Winterthur

+41 (0) 58 934 49 64
andreas.binkert@zhaw.ch

Interview: June 2022