Hands-on

Innotek assists research and knowledge institutions to turn innovative ideas into full-fledged business activities. Innotek aspires to nurture promising opportunities into new business.

Research institutes are often lacking any interest in setting up businesses. Their main priority is research and knowledge development in scientific disciplines. In this initiative, Innotek creates a business development platform that addresses precisely these aspects of enterprise

To do this, Innotek works with a small number of leading partner knowledge institutions. Experienced business development managers support the development of creative, exciting ideas, projects and technologies all the way to the establishment of an innovative business, which is monitored throughout its first few years. In addition to the profit opportunities so important to investors, we also create high-quality sustainable employment.

Target group

This platform is a joint initiative of Innotek, VITO (Flemish Institute for Technological Research), SCK (Nuclear Energy Research Centre), University of Antwerp, KHK (Kempen Catholic Higher Educational Institute) and Belgoprocess.

Knowledge-intensive spinoff creation is mainly focused on our partners, although ideas of companies and individuals are also considered.

How it works

Project-related decisions are taken in consultation with all partners.

Daily operations are managed by Innotek. Among other duties, Innotek takes care of project coordination, possibly utilising a number of in-house or external business development managers, who can be deployed on individual projects in the short term. These business development managers, to ensure the accumulation of business development knowledge and expertise to safeguard the project’s status as a sustainable initiative for the region.