VUB as research partner

Interdisciplinary research as well as collaboration between institutes, knowledge centres, industrial and academic partners is very much encouraged and considered to be crucial to obtain sustainable results. Vrije UniversiteitBrussel has commited itself to facilitate and support various types of R&D processes:

• fundamental research enabling scientific discovery and exploration of new knowledge;
• strategic research leading to generic results and inventions with high valorisation potential;
• applied research up to the stages of prototype and demonstrator development;
• interfacing with all societal actors: regional and worldwide industrial and economic players, the non-profitsector, policy makers and governments, … .

The multidisciplinary Technology Transfer Interface is the most efficient gateway between the university’s research & expertise and the industry. Support, advice, mentoring and project evaluation in R&D projects with economic potential and spin-off company
projects generate substantial deal flow.

About 20 % of VUB's R&D budget comes from technology transfer, industrial research and service contracts. Hence the valorisation potential of all our academic disciplines is highly esteemed and evaluated. Because of its societal and economic impact, the university considers knowledge and technology transfer as one of the key missions. 

Since 1992 the Vrije UniversiteitBrussel has created 25 spin-offs in diverse domains.

The VUB (co-)owns more than 100 patents, patent families and patent applications, of which a number are being exploited in spin-off companies or are directly generating licensing revenues. The management of the intellectual property (IP) is done in collaboration with the inventors. Value is created through contractual agreements with existing companies, through university spin-offs and licensing. TTI provides support in contract design and negotiation, and provides legal advice and assistance.

In order to provide a broad range of support and guidance for new business-oriented initiatives, the university co-manages the Research Park Zellik in Flanders, equipped with incubation facilities (Innovation & Incubation Centre Brussels). The ‘Incubatiecentrum Arsenaal Brussel’ (ICAB), a new incubator for ICT and engineering companies in collaboration with the Brussels Capital Region, became fully operational in October 2009. ICAB is located in a vivid neighbourhood near the VUB campus Etterbeek.