Valorization is the process of creating value from knowledge by making that knowledge suitable and/or available for economic and/or social use and translating that knowledge into competitive products, services, processes and entrepreneurial activities.

Valorizing research is a core task (alongside education and research and patient care for academic hospitals) for knowledge institutes and therefore also for their researchers. It is becoming increasingly important to utilize research results socially and/or economically. Knowledge transfer is one way to achieve this, sometimes in exchange for money through the licensing of the knowledge institute’s intellectual property (IP).

A KTO is an organizational unit within a knowledge institute. It focuses on providing services to make knowledge available outside the knowledge institute’s walls for the benefit of society. This transfer of knowledge, research results, or intellectual property must result in social and/or economic impact. KTOs can be found at knowledge institute active in all domains, while the TTO (Technology Transfer Office) variant is often found at universities of technology.

A KTO shapes and implements the third (or fourth) objective of knowledge institutes —besides education and research (and patient care for academic hospitals): the valorization of research. A KTO also acts as a facilitator. With a wide range of services, facilities, and expertise, IXA offers researchers practical support in research valorization.

Furthermore, the KTO plays a key communication role: knowledge institutes and for-profit companies often have different values ​​and objectives when it comes to research. IXA’s experts understand both and can communicate effectively with both researchers and commercial stakeholders. Furthermore, the commitment and involvement of a KTO ensures that all parties involved—researcher, knowledge institute, and third parties—receive fair compensation when a company makes a profit from the knowledge. This is all done in a way that allows as many people as possible to benefit from their research results.

For most knowledge institutes, entrepreneurship isn’t a goal in itself. It’s simply a way to integrate knowledge and research findings into society, for example, by bringing knowledge and innovation to market through a product, service, or educational program.

Start by talking to us without obligation – for example, with a business developer. You can discuss your plans with them and they can help you write a business plan. Within knowledge institutes, there are incubator facilities such as the Demonstrator Lab and StartHub at VU Amsterdam, and the Law Hub and Humanities Venture Lab at the University of Amsterdam. We also offer various training courses and workshops to develop your entrepreneurial knowledge and skills.

A spin-off is a knowledge-intensive company founded by an employee of a knowledge institute. This new company uses the knowledge or research results of the knowledge institute to develop new products or services, such as new technology, chemicals, new measurement methods, or teaching methods.

The term “startup” is usually reserved for student-run enterprises and “spin-off” for researchers launching a new company. Sometimes, depending on the context, we also use the term “startup” to describe the status of an activity, such as the early stages of a new venture.

No. Our services, facilities, and expertise are free for researchers and staff. This is because, as a Knowledge Transfer Office, IXA is an integral part of the service infrastructure of knowledge institutions.

Send an email with your question to info@ixa.nl or find an expert within your Team overview.

The grant advisors at IXA and your institution assist with research grant applications, including EU and national grants. IXA also manages various valorization funds, such as the Proof-of-Concept Fund and the Impact Fund. Also visit the Services & Expertise page.

Our legal advisors are ready to assist you. Together, we’ll determine the best approach, such as a non-disclosure agreement, copyright, or patent. IXA assists with patent applications and drafting legal documents to protect intellectual property.

We can help you identify suitable organizations. Or, if you’re already in contact with an organization, our lawyers can assist you in drafting and negotiating a suitable contract. This includes non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), research collaboration or consortium agreements, and licensing agreements.

Our advisors can help you find the right partners and handle the necessary formalities, such as drafting partnership agreements and protecting intellectual property. Contact us.