Strong research systems increasingly recognize the need to bridge the gap between promising scientific discoveries and their translation into societal and economic impact. This webinar brings together two perspectives from emerging innovation ecosystems that are developing practical mechanisms to support early-stage commercialisation and translational research.
Elina Aleksejeva-Zagura (University of Tartu, Estonia) will present insights from the Estonian start-up ecosystem and its evolving shift toward deep-tech innovation. Drawing on the University of Tartu’s approach to research commercialisation—including Proof-of-Concept funding, Entrepreneur-in-Residence roles, Science-to-Business training, and the newly launched Innovation Scout Network—her talk reflects on the ongoing challenge of bridging the execution gap between promising research ideas and entrepreneurial action.
Pedro Pedrosa (ITQB-NOVA, Portugal) will introduce the Innovalley Proof of Concept (PoC) Fund, a place-based funding initiative created in partnership with the Municipality of Oeiras and local research institutions. Designed to overcome the “valley of death” between academic research and application, the program supports early-stage projects in life sciences and sustainability through milestone-driven funding and international evaluation. The talk will highlight the program’s design, implementation, and early outcomes as a catalyst for regional innovation.
Together, these presentations will explore complementary strategies—from institutional support mechanisms to regional funding instruments—that help transform research excellence into impactful innovation within emerging ecosystems.
This webinar is organised by the BioMedical SIG. Join the BioMedical SIG to stay tuned.
International presence is amazing, so many countries, universities... represented here!!
Christian Massus
SATT Aquitaine, France
Technology transfer is ever changing and a key piece for the competitiveness of your institution, this course is an excellent tool to prepare yourself for that challenge.
Ricardo Castro
Centre for research in agricultural Genomics, Spain
Most relevant, interesting and practical training I have ever had, very interactive an multi-disciplinary. It makes an IMPACT.
Edith van Lishout
KU Leuven, Belgium
The event had something to offer all members of the TT community from entry level to mid-career and beyond.
John Gleeson
University of Limerick, Ireland
The new website signals this pioneering, resonating role and is a tribute to the many accomplishments and innovations European TTO’s have generated and implemented over many years, thus strengthening both our economy and society.
Koenraad Debackere
KU Leuven, Belgium
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