The GFZ plays an important role in innovation, not only through innovative method and technology development in research, but also through the generation of products and services on the market, e.g. our spin-offs, software developments and data products. Furthermore, we have established application-oriented innovation platforms with the two Helmholtz Innovation Labs established at the GFZ in the field of remote sensing and in underground seismology. Through active innovation management, we promote new projects to pave the way to application, to the customer and as an innovation in the market.