De-TECH operates through four key steps to bring innovation to market:
Timeline:
2025: Program design and pilot
2026: Implementation and expansion
2027: Institutionalization and long-term sustainability
Methodology and Activities
How we work:
01/ Identify Promising technologies through scouting and analysis.
We identify promising technologies developed at partner universities through structured scouting and evaluation processes. Using tools and collaboration with Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), we assess their market potential. This step helps bring academic research closer to real-world application. Selected technologies move forward to the innovation challenges.
03 /Launch the De-TECH competition, an intensive startup support program
This 10-week venture-building program supports selected research-based technologies through training, mentoring, and financial backing. Each round includes personalized sessions on business modelling, MVP development, and market entry strategies. Winning projects receive funding and pitch their ideas to investors at DemoDay events.
02/ Organize innovation challenges connecting universities and companies
Once relevant technologies are identified, De-TECH connects them with real-world needs by designing innovation challenges in collaboration with industry partners. These challenges encourage students and researchers to apply their ideas to solve concrete problems faced by companies and society. The goal is to spark creative, entrepreneurial thinking while building strong ties between academia and the market ecosystem.
04/ Train participants in entrepreneurial and technological skills
We provide cross-disciplinary education programs in entrepreneurship and technology for students, researchers, and staff. These include online courses, workshops, and short "Inno-TECH Pills" videos.
The aim is to foster an entrepreneurial mindset and equip participants with the tools to lead innovation.