How do you ensure that scientific breakthroughs make their way into the real world? That is the mission of Ghent University’s TechTransfer Office. “We build communities, provide access to labs and offer support with business plans to give spin-offs a boost.”
“Do you know how food producers determine the shelf life of their products?” asks Wendy Ossieur, co-founder of Shelfion, a Ghent University spin-off. “By putting them in the cupboard or refrigerator and waiting until the products are no longer edible.” Hardly the way to do things in this day and age, is it?
Ghent University’s TechTransfer Office helps bring scientific innovation to market. That’s how Wendy Ossieur and microbiology professor Frank Devlieghere (Faculty of Bioengineering Sciences) met. Devlieghere, along with a group of scientists, developed a test kit to scientifically determine the shelf life of food. It was a brilliant idea that caught the attention of food producers, but in practice, the test kit was only part of the solution.
Fast-tracking research from lab to business
It’s a classic example of how groundbreaking scientific research struggles to gain traction. “You also have to be able to translate a scientific breakthrough into something businesses can use,” says Elisabeth Velle, communications officer at Tech Lane Ghent Science Park, Ghent University’s largest science park.
The TechTransfer Office does this in several ways. “We’re building a network where scientists, business professionals and entrepreneurs can meet. We also connect the right people with one another.”
Bringing the right people together also led to a breakthrough in Professor Devlieghere’s research. TechTransfer connected the research team with Wendy Ossieur. As a bioengineer, she had built a career at several food companies. “We clicked right away,” says Wendy. “Thanks to my experience in the sector, I was able to convince them that the problem they were solving was real, but that their solution was still too academic.”
"Without a network, you’re nobody."
What is the TechTransfer Office?
With a team of about 40 Ghent University staff members, the TechTransfer Office builds a bridge between scientific research and the business world. They connect researchers with companies, provide specialised labs where start-ups can grow, and build an active community where experiences and knowledge are shared.
Support makes spin-offs viable
The meeting with Wendy ultimately led to the founding of the spin-off Shelfion. Rather than just a test kit, the company would offer a software platform that uses all that research to predict the shelf life of food.
The team of bioengineers was expanded to include data scientists and software developers. Initially, TechTransfer supported Shelfion by providing feedback on the business plan. “That’s where we really experienced the power of TechTransfer. Without a network, you’re nobody,” says Wendy.
Since Shelfion shifted its focus to the software platform, it has gone from strength to strength. “We’re getting enquiries from companies both at home and abroad. That shows our platform holds up in practice.” The main challenge now is to convince as many food producers as possible of Shelfion’s added value. “We’re also already getting new questions, like whether we can predict when products lose their flavour or when chocolate starts to bloom.”
Creating value for society
Elisabeth can’t help but get excited when she hears Wendy speak. “That’s why our 40-strong team does what it does. Shelfion’s mission is also one that I personally value greatly. Their solution helps reduce food waste. I’m convinced there are other researchers at Ghent University whose work could make a difference to all of us.”
What’s your top tip for Ghent University researchers and students who want to do more with their research?
Elisabeth:“I admire students who think bigger than their research, who want to break new ground. My advice to students: go for it! Dare to try, dare to experiment, dare to step out of your comfort zone. It’s such a great learning experience.”
Wendy:“As a student, you can’t get involved with the business world soon enough. Reaching out to multinational companies may seem impossible, but you can also learn a lot from spin-offs like ours. Get in touch and help build ambitious projects from day one.”
Read also
Campus Ostend: Ellen and Tina’s passion for marine research reaches all the way to Hawaii and Indonesia
Professor and deep-sea ecologist Ellen Pape and PhD researcher Tina Agustina both work at Campus Ostend. As well as a campus, they share an interest in ecology and in the interplay between the sea and human activity.
Why Ghent University Imagines 2050 is a necessity, a puzzle and a flywheel
Ghent University (UGent) faces a historic transformation over the coming decades. UGent Verbeeldt 2050 (Ghent University Imagines 2050) will see campuses renovated, relocated and connected. Chief Logistics Officer Jeroen Vanden Berghe and policy advisor Tristan Verleyen share insights into the short- and longer-term plans. “It’s a strong vision for UGent’s future. And the path to get there? We’ll walk it together.”
From the Ecuadorian Amazon to Ghent: Dayana and Thomas push boundaries
Master's student Dayana Garzón swapped the Ecuadorian Amazon for Ghent University (UGent). Here, she turns her passion for sustainability into concrete solutions under the guidance of Professor Thomas Hermans. “With basic knowledge of land and water use, you can save lives.”
Mara and Terry on Ghent University Global Campus: "Our students embody 'Dare to Think' in its purest form"
Since May, Mara Santi has been co-heading Ghent University Global Campus (GUGC) in South Korea. Together with student Terry Park, she looks ahead to a new academic year. A long-distance call about international connectivity, boundless ambition, and Korean culture.
