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Paul Althuis, director of the Valorisation Centre: “Our added value lies in our ability to combine networks” In 2011 TU Delft will receive € 5 million in government funding to improve and accelerate the implementation of research results in society, a process known as knowledge valorisation. As the Director of the Valorisation Centre, Paul Althuis has been working on this for the last six years. “We are satisfied with what we have achieved so far, but we are by no means resting on our laurels”, he says, looking back as well as ahead. Valorisation needs to take shape throughout the entire organisation. And beyond, as a new location for high-tech companies is being constructed at the southernmost point of the TU site under the name Science Port Holland – Technopolis. Research funding “The essence of our university is that researchers should be able to conduct top-class research”, states Paul Althuis. “This is why we constantly seek funding and why we train people to write good research proposals, and this is bearing fruit. In recent years we have achieved great success within consortiums attracting projects covered by the EU Seventh Framework Programme for research funding. We aim to increasingly coordinate such projects instead of simply acting as a partner, which is why we have invested in a project manager pool. As the initiator of a project it is easier for you to have your say in Brussels, and you are right on the spot for new ‘calls’.” Intellectual Property “IP, our Intellectual Property, was also a priority,” continues Paul Althuis. “We brought in business developers to examine the value of our patents. A good move, as they are entrepreneurs, so are market-oriented and also have the right connections. We are working with them to licence our patents to businesses that can further develop a particular product or invention. Another option is to help set up our own business using venture capital. We are currently participating in eight enterprises, all based on technology developed by TU Delft. As a university you have added value in the early days of this type of enterprise, while still in the proof-of-concept phase. But the aim 33 | Highlights 2010 is not long-term entrepreneurship, so from the start we already have an exit strategy in place. After a few years we sell our shares, hopefully at a tidy profit.” Incubator for high-tech startups TU Delft also helps young entrepreneurs via YES!Delft, our high-tech startup incubator. YES!Delft offers advice, training and a starting place. The Technopolis site houses new enterprises varying from the aerospace engineering company ISIS to copper upcycler Elemetal. “We have become so successful that we are already having to consider a new building for those who are ready to continue as independent businesses,” says Paul Althuis. But there is Valorisation