Representatives of the BioSense Institute carried out a short-term study visit to VSCHT in Prague within the framework of capacity-building activities foreseen under the Know4nano project (WP4).
The aim of the visit was to enhance the competences of managers from the Centre for Innovation and Business Development of the BioSense Institute in the areas of project management, technology transfer, and intellectual property protection, through direct knowledge exchange with experienced colleagues from VSCHT.
During the meetings, colleagues from the VSCHT Research and Technology Transfer Office (TTO) presented their activities, including support in intellectual property protection, market potential analysis, research valorisation, and collaboration with industrial partners. Particular emphasis was placed on internal support mechanisms for the proof of concept, proof of market, and proof of delivery phases.
The international student programme SensUs, held annually in Eindhoven and focused on the development of innovative biosensors for healthcare applications, was also presented. The possibility of engaging Institute researchers as mentors within the competition was discussed, further strengthening opportunities for international cooperation.
The VSCHT Project Centre showcased its comprehensive support services for researchers preparing proposals for programmes such as Horizon Europe, including training sessions, individual consultations, proposal reviews, and strategic alignment with programme priorities. It was highlighted that continuous investment in strengthening researchers’ competences directly contributes to increased success rates in highly competitive European calls, including MSCA and ERC funding schemes.
The visit also included a guided laboratory tour, where research infrastructure and ongoing experimental activities were presented, as well as a small-scale teaching brewery that serves as an example of the successful integration of research infrastructure into educational processes.
The study visit significantly contributed to strengthening the institutional capacities of BioSense in project management and technology transfer, through the identification of transferable good practices, enhanced international networking, and the establishment of foundations for future collaboration.