Prof Dr Rafaela Kraus is an expert in defence innovation and professor of business and human resources management at the University of the Bundeswehr, specialising in entrepreneurship, innovation and technology transfer in the public sector. After studying business administration at LMU in Munich and the Sorbonne in Paris, she earned her doctorate in business psychology. Following professional positions as a management consultant, she has been a professor since 2006 and served as vice dean, dean and vice president from 2010 to 2025. She has a remarkable track record in promoting entrepreneurship in academic institutions and building an ecosystem that supports technology transfer in dual-use, DefTech and SpaceTech start-ups across Europe. Kraus founded founders@unibw, the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship at UniBw M, and the SpaceFounders accelerator. Her efforts have led to the creation of successful start-ups such as ARX Robotics and positioned her as a key figure in European dual-use and NewSpace initiatives. Kraus’ ability to bridge the gap between academia, the public sector and industry makes her an important voice in the promotion of start-ups.