Teaching Technology Entrepreneurship at the VUB

The project "Technology Entrepreneurship" tries to offer an answer to the (european) innovation paradox.

Economic growth is increasingly depending on the ability to innovate in all areas of society and economy. At the moment, new inventions are being made but are not being effectively converted into new products, patents, jobs, companies and services. 

Project coordinator Marc Goldchstein and his collaborators Thomas Crispeels (life sciences), Kevin Douven (micro-electronics/ICT at ETRO), Tom Guldemont (photonics at TONA), Leen Lauwers (materials at SURF) and Prof. Ilse Scheerlinck (sustainable energy) contribute to bridging the gap between technological knowledge and entrepreneurship.

Their weapon is an encompassing educational offer on technology entrepreneurship. The educational program is destined for a range of Master students (such as business, (bio-) engineering, computer sciences…) and young professionals at and around the VUB. The offer includes introductory courses (such as the Starters Seminars), technology sector-specific courses and a master class in (technology) entrepreneurship. Unique to the project is the opportunity to acquire real life experience. Students get the opportunity to work on concrete business development projects that originate directly from the research labs of the university.

Most team members work part time for the educational project. The other part of their job is within partner research departments, where they perform business development tasks, putting their teaching to practice. Project leader Marc Goldchstein shares his time between the educational project and the Technology Transfer Interface, where he supports IOF-core groups in their valorization strategies and coaches (potential) spin-offs. The team also provides coaching services to start-ups located at ICAB.
During its start-up phase, the project was funded by the Flemish government and industrial partners (Amgen, Bank Degroof, Bekaert, Ethias, Fundus, IBM, Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen, Sirris, Solvay, Tyco Electronics, Yakult). The project is now part of the General Strategic Plan of the VUB.

For futher information, please contact Marc Golchstein through the VUB website of Technology Entrepreneurship.

Together with project leader Marc Goldchstein, the TTI organizes the Starter Seminars, a series of courses for non-economists with an entrepreneurial spirit.  Check out the program.