ASTP White Paper explores how better metrics can improve knowledge and technology transfer, offering key recommendations for universities, PROs, and policymakers across Europe.
Edmundo R. Sánchez Guajardo, Jack Coory, and Maite Ibern Gomez discuss how early business validation and due diligence can de-risk spin-out creation and support stronger commercial outcomes.
In this session, Sven Fiedl explores how start-ups and university spin-offs can build successful ventures using open source business models. From dual licensing and open core to cloud-based and…
NAAC publishes a comprehensive report expanding on the ASTP white paper, offering policy recommendations, strategic frameworks, and actionable insights to support innovation, spin-off creation, and sustainable development.
Rick Bonants shares lessons learned from launching multiple spin-offs at TU Delft. Drawing on real-world experience, Rick explores effective strategies and best practices for identifying…
The INNOV-8-2-CREATE Toolkit is designed to enable universities, innovation hubs, and stakeholders across Europe to replicate the pre-accelerator programme effectively. In addition to providing step-by-step guidance, templates, and examples, the toolkit ensures the programme's sustainability,…
Discover how the Technology Investor Score (TIS) identifies key investors for European innovators, bridging funding gaps and enhancing support for technology-driven startups. Explore public-private collaboration, scaling challenges, and actionable insights for growth.
Explore ASTP's White Paper, endorsed by NAAC, “Catalysing Change: Exploring trends and strategies to enhance the spin-off process in Europe”. Learn strategies for innovation, knowledge transfer, and robust support systems to enhance research institutes' impact on competitiveness and development.
ASTP is launching a Spin-Off Special Interest Group (SIG) to support university and research spin-offs across Europe. Led by Florian Kirschenhofer from Max Planck Innovation, the SIG will be a platform for sharing best practices in start-up creation and support.
Florian Kirschenhofer presents updates to the Max Planck Society’s licensing model for spin-offs. He discusses its success, challenges with software-based start-ups, and recent revisions to ensure…
Ainara García Gallastegui presents NanoGUNE’s achievements focusing on knowledge transfer. She highlights successes in spin-offs, patents, and licensing, including innovations like Alzheimer’s…
Michiel Hulsbergen, CEO and founder of DialogueTrainer, shares his experience establishing and managing the company. As a Utrecht University spin-out, he discusses navigating challenges in IP,…
Tom Flanagan shares the story behind Wayflyer, Ireland’s first spinout unicorn, in the Talking Tech Transfer podcast. He offers insights into the ecommerce company’s journey and the role of University College Dublin’s innovation office in its success.
Malcolm Bain and Florian Kirschenhofer discuss specific challenges for digital start-ups, including IP identification, protection and licensing models, business models, key issues for knowledge…
Martin Järvekülg reflects on bridging academia and industry in Estonia. He discusses challenges in knowledge transfer, spin-offs, and public funding, advocating early entrepreneurial training and…
Jeff Skinner, in his 2014 masterclass Valuation of Early Spin-outs, examines methods for valuing nascent tech businesses. He highlights balancing optimism with caution, understanding investor perspectives, and using valuation models critically to manage risks and expectations, illustrated through…
Cath Whitaker (2012) outlines practical strategies for technology transfer offices. She emphasises effective market research, identifying applications, engaging stakeholders, and leveraging data-driven insights to support licensing, spin-outs, and investment decisions while addressing market…
This case study (2016) showcases UCD’s structured support for academic entrepreneurs through Commercialisation Boot Camps and the VentureLaunch Accelerator. These initiatives provide training, mentoring, and funding to help researchers validate ideas, build strong business cases, and launch…
This case study (2016) highlights Imperial Innovations’ internal seed fund, which supports early-stage commercialisation of university research. By providing critical funding for proof-of-concept and business development, the programme helps bridge the gap between academic discovery and…
This case study (2026) presents the Investors’ Day initiative, designed to connect spin-offs and research-based start-ups with investors and industry. Organised by the University of Minho, the event enhances visibility, attracts funding, and strengthens the regional innovation ecosystem through…
This case study (2016) highlights the MAX Planck Inkubators programme, which fosters entrepreneurial talent within the Max Planck Society. By combining structured support, mentoring, and funding, the initiative helps scientists develop validated business models and launch deep-tech spin-offs from…
This case study (2016) features the NIK seed funding programme, which supports the early commercial development of research-based innovations. Managed by Bergen University’s KTO, the fund helps researchers advance their projects toward market readiness through validation, prototyping, and…
This case study (2016) presents NTNU Discovery, a not-for-profit fund that supports early-stage commercialisation. By providing financial backing and guidance to researchers, the fund helps validate ideas, bridge funding gaps, and prepare technologies for licensing or spin-off creation within…
This case study (2016) outlines Cardiff University’s strategic partnership with IP Group to accelerate spin-out creation. The collaboration provides early-stage funding, commercial expertise, and long-term investment, enabling the university to scale research-based ventures and enhance its…
This case study (2016) highlights VSB-TUO’s combined proof-of-concept funding and Green Light accelerator programme. It supports researchers and students in validating ideas, developing business models, and launching start-ups, strengthening the university’s innovation ecosystem and regional…
This case study (2016) presents KTH Innovation’s structured approach to early-stage support through proof-of-concept funding and expert technology assessment. The model helps researchers evaluate market potential, reduce technical and commercial risks, and prepare innovations for licensing or…
This case study (2016) highlights Unitectra’s coordinated proof-of-concept funding programme, supporting researchers from Basel, Bern, and Zurich in validating the commercial potential of their inventions. The initiative accelerates technology maturation, reduces investment risk, and enhances…
This case study (2016) presents UCL Business’s proof-of-concept funding programme, which helps researchers bridge the gap between discovery and commercialisation. By supporting technical validation and market assessment, the fund strengthens the potential for licensing or spin-out creation and…
This case study (2016) showcases TechFounders, a start-up accelerator co-developed by TUM to bridge academia and industry. The programme supports early-stage ventures with mentoring, industry access, and investor readiness, helping research-based start-ups scale and attract strategic partnerships.
This case study (2016) presents the INNOVA programme, which supports researchers in commercialising innovations through structured evaluation, mentoring, and funding. Developed by UPV’s KTO, the programme boosts entrepreneurial skills and helps transform research outcomes into viable spin-offs or…
This case study (2016) explores how High-Tech Gründerfonds collaborates with German universities to fund early-stage spin-offs. The partnership bridges public research and private investment, offering capital, expertise, and networks to support commercialisation and accelerate the growth of…
This case study (2016) highlights the Spinnovator Programme, which helps life science researchers become successful founders. Run by Ascenion, it offers tailored training, mentoring, and funding to turn early-stage technologies into investable spin-offs, strengthening entrepreneurial capacity…
This case study (2016) presents the IDEA program, which supports early-stage commercialisation at Lund University. By offering funding, coaching, and evaluation, the programme empowers researchers to validate ideas, strengthen business cases, and prepare innovations for licensing or spin-out…
This case study (2016) outlines the Entrepreneurs in Transit (EiT) programme developed by UMIP to accelerate spin-out creation. By embedding experienced entrepreneurs within research teams, EiT bridges commercial and academic worlds, supporting researchers to explore market potential and build…
Part of the “4 Reasons 4” infographic series, this resource shows how trademarks protect brand identity, build consumer trust, and support commercial growth. It offers practical insights for KTOs and entrepreneurs on using trademarks to strengthen market presence and long-term value. Made in…
Part of the “4 Reasons 4” infographic series, this resource highlights the strategic value of patents in knowledge transfer. It outlines how patents support market access, funding, credibility, and negotiation leverage—offering practical guidance for KTOs and innovators working to…
This case study (2016) presents the Aalto Centre for Entrepreneurship’s structured, stage-gate approach to commercialising research. Embedded within Aalto University’s innovation ecosystem, the centre supports licensing and spin-out creation through internal expertise, proof-of-concept funding,…
This case study (2016) presents the University of Liège’s structured approach to assessing IP and technology for commercial potential. The process combines internal expertise and external validation to guide patenting, licensing, or spin-out decisions, supporting efficient and impactful…
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