Voices of Tomorrow: How the TII Scholarship Empowers Young KT Talent

The TII Annual Launchpad Scholarship, administered by ASTP, was created to empower young professionals in knowledge transfer by supporting their development at a pivotal stage in their careers. With funding to access advanced training and networking opportunities, scholarship holders gain the skills and confidence to help research deliver greater impact for society.

Two recent recipients, Lucie Rabattu and Justinas Blažukas, shared how the scholarship has shaped their journeys.

Investing in New Expertise

For Lucie, a Technology Transfer Manager, the scholarship provided a chance to explore a new and fast-evolving area in her institution: the protection and commercialisation of digital and software innovations.

“Most of my scholarship was used to attend a 3-day training course called Software Specific Challenges in Knowledge Transfer, offered by ASTP in Sitges, Spain,” she explains. “I also joined a masterclass on How to Take Academic Software to Market, and used the rest of the funding to cover my ASTP membership, webinars, and SIG meetings.”

Similarly, Justinas, a Technology Transfer Specialist at Vytautas Magnus University, used his scholarship to attend the same course in Sitges.

“This transformative experience immersed me in the intricate world of software commercialisation, intellectual property management, and licensing—critical areas in the ever-evolving landscape of knowledge transfer,” he recalls.

Professional Growth and Lasting Impact

Both Lucie and Justinas emphasise how the training directly enhanced their ability to support researchers and institutions.

“Thanks to this training and the other events I have attended, I feel better equipped in my day-to-day work to navigate the world of software technology transfer and better work with researchers to transfer their results to society,” says Lucie.

For Justinas, the new knowledge has already strengthened collaboration within his university:

“One of the most significant takeaways was a deeper understanding of technology transfer in the field of information technologies. This knowledge has been particularly valuable in strengthening my collaboration with the Faculty of Informatics, enabling more effective support for researchers working on software innovations.”

Community and Connections

Beyond new skills, both scholarship holders highlight the value of connecting with peers from across Europe.

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to connect with professionals in my field from all around the world,” says Lucie. “It was a great opportunity to network, share experiences, and feel that I belong to a community.”

Justinas echoes the importance of the people he met:

“The discussions and networking opportunities not only improved my understanding but also fostered new ideas and collaborations that I hope to implement in the future. Being surrounded by professionals who are equally passionate about knowledge transfer in such a vibrant environment was truly motivating.”

Looking Ahead

For both Lucie and Justinas, the TII Scholarship has been more than financial support, it has been a catalyst for learning, growth, and connection. Their journeys illustrate how investing in the next generation of knowledge transfer professionals builds capacity not just for individuals, but for institutions and society as a whole.

As ASTP prepares to announce the next edition of the scholarship, these stories remind us of the talent and ambition driving the KT community forward and the role initiatives like the TII Scholarship play in unlocking their potential.