Direct observation of the infrastructure and services model managed by the Bio-Incubators offers essential lessons to ensure the success of the new VHIR Innovation Hub. Currently, 5 bio-incubators have been built and we had the opportunity to visit two of them, as well as the Health House space:

• Optimization of spaces and services: The spaces of the Leuven bio-incubators, which include laboratories and offices designed for diversified users (startups, spin-offs, researchers), demonstrate the efficiency of a model that combines flexibility, functionality and cost control. This approach can inspire the physical and operational design of the VHIR Hub. During the meetings, we were told about the lessons learned in the construction of each of the bio-incubators.

• Integrated services model: Bio-incubators not only offer spaces, but also key services such as access to investors, intellectual property support, and connection of users with the KU Leuven ecosystem. This model fully adapts to the needs identified at VHIR, facilitating the creation of an environment where startups and spin-offs can thrive within the same Campus.

Improvements in technology transfer and innovation processes



Learning best practices in technology transfer is one of the most outstanding contributions of the visit:



• Transfer processes: KU Leuven's centralized model in the management of intellectual property and the commercialization of research results demonstrates how clear and agile processes can improve efficiency and maximize the economic and social impact of research.

• Strategies for scaling up projects: The way KU Leuven accelerates projects through early-stage support, investor acquisition and market connection provides a replicable framework that VHIR can adapt to accelerate the development of innovative solutions.

• Researcher integration: The close collaboration between researchers and the technology transfer team in the Leuven model underlines the importance of promoting a culture of innovation within VHIR, reinforcing the commitment of research groups to translating their discoveries to the market.

The commitment on the part of the center will be, in addition to the corresponding report, to present to the Transfer Community:  

• Explanation of the visited health ecosystem (KU, UZ, CD3 incubators)

• Hub organization – Good practices identified

• Management of innovation infrastructures, the dynamization of multidisciplinary teams and the integration of networks, talent and resources. How they promote the incubation of startups and the scaling of innovative projects and public-private collaborations that favor the transfer of knowledge and solutions to the market. Proposals for the CAT system

• Models of protection and exploitation prevalent in the ecosystem. Good practices identified