Apr 29. 2025

Knowledge sharing seminar in Technology Transfer and Venture Creation

Zuzana Kasanova, Business Development Manager, Spin-off & Innovation Unit, LRD, Leuven, Belgium, gave a lecture on Enhancing Technology Transfer and Venture Creation at KU Leuven.

Lecture abstract

KU Leuven Research & Development (LRD) has been dedicated to bridging the gap between academia, industry, and society since 1972. With a team of over 140 staff members, LRD’s key mission is to increase the rate of research translation to benefit society and industry worldwide. This presentation will provide a high-level outline of our approach to fostering research collaboration and managing intellectual property, with an in-depth look at our tools and tactics for spin-off creation and growth.

Key areas of focus include:

  • Research Collaboration: Each year, LRD facilitates over 3,000 new collaboration agreements. This section will discuss the strategies and support mechanisms that enable successful partnerships with industry and government, highlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing research.
  • Intellectual Property Management: LRD manages a portfolio of over 800 active patent families and has generated a sizeable license income. This section will touch upon the processes involved in invention registration, patent applications, and licensing, as well as incentives for researchers to engage in this process, and how these activities contribute to the commercialization of research.
  • Spin-off and Innovation Ecosystem: With a cumulative total of 186 spin-offs, LRD has established a supportive ecosystem for venture creation. The presentation will cover the financial and strategic support provided to high-potential projects, including seed financing, proof-of-concept funding, and tailored incubation programs. We will also discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with academic spin-off creation.
  • Case Studies and Success Stories: Real-world examples of successful spin-offs and collaborations will be presented to illustrate the journey from research to commercialization and the role of LRD in supporting this process.

Photos from the lecture