IIMCB Researchers at VIB Innovation & Business Summer School: From Science to Real-World Impact
Five days of interactive workshops, debates, and a pitching competition provided an intensive introduction to the intersection of science and entrepreneurship. The VIB Innovation & Business Summer School took place in Ghent between 25–29 August 2025, and thanks to the RACE project, implemented as part of the Horizon Europe “Teaming for Excellence” program, four IIMCB researchers – Olga Gewartowska (Technology Development Unit), Vanessa Linke (Mass Spectrometry Facility), Raghunandan Mahadeva (Laboratory of Iron Homeostasis), and Ryhor Nikalayeu (Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering) – participated in this event.
Photos copyright: VIB Training & Conferences
The program offered participants an opportunity to explore how scientific discoveries can be translated into real-world applications and ventures. Sessions addressed investors’ perspectives on startup success, contract negotiations, and strategies for establishing collaborations with industry and spin-offs.
Raghunandan Mahadeva from the Laboratory of Homeostasis reflected on the experience:
“Participating in the VIB Innovation & Business Summer School was a transformative experience that bridged the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world impact. The program provided invaluable insights into intellectual property, biotech entrepreneurship, and venture creation—empowering scientists like me to think beyond the bench. I had the privilege of presenting my diagnostic venture, FerrAll, and engaging with world-class mentors and venture capitalists. This experience has not only broadened my understanding of translational science but also strengthened my resolve to lead innovation with purpose.”
Olga Gewartowska, Head of the Technology Development Unit and one of the winners of the Pitching Competition, added:
“(…)I was impressed by the cross-disciplinary insights and practical takeaways, and how collaboration with experts from different fields and my peers enriched every session.”
Vanessa Linke, Head of the Mass Spectrometry Facility, emphasized the practical training dimension:
“It's been a great week learning all about tech transfer for academics – my understanding of terms like IP, Business Development, and Venture Capital grew exponentially. I also want to give a shout out to the engaged group of participants, the fantastic speakers that made the sessions truly interactive, and the immaculate organization by VIB.”
Ryhor Nikalayeu from the Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering highlighted the importance of expanding the program’s digital perspective:
“The VIB Innovation & Business Summer School was a very valuable experience. The guest lectures and trainers were excellent — highly skilled, engaging, and able to clearly share both their expertise and real-world insights. One area where I would have liked to see more depth is the dry-lab perspective. For example, it would be very useful to have additional sessions or case studies on how to protect and patent software and AI-based innovations, and best practices for managing and leveraging databases in research and business contexts.”
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.