VIADUCT: from science to start-up and spin-off

In early June 2023, VIADUCT project partners (West Regional Development Agency, Romania, SATT Conectus Alsace, France, Kaunas Science and Technology Park, Public Institution, Lithuania, Western Development Commission, Ireland, Municipality of Pieve di Soligo, Italy, Council of Tampere Region, Finland, and ASTP, the Netherlands, and invited local stakeholders, met in Timisoara (Romania), the European Capital of Culture 2023, for the 1st Inter-Regional Thematic Workshop (IRTW), 2^nd Inter Regional Study Visit (IRSV) and 2^nd Steering Committee (SC).  The event comprised of two days of sessions focused on promoting the entrepreneurial culture among key stakeholders of various European regions.

Multiple sessions and presentations provided a space for discussion among various actors such as policy makers, university leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and legal experts. The event gave participants a deeper insight into the do’s and don'ts of spin-offs, with accent on financing opportunities and technology transfer.

Local best practices were shared for an inspiring knowledge exchange between project partners. From an ‘Ideathon’ described by the University of Zaragoza, Spain, to start-up talks and innovation sessions on translating scientific knowledge into business in Alsace, France, many ideas have been shared to inspire local authorities and researchers to create spin-offs.

The experience was enriched with local cultural activities such as a city tour of Timisoara, the European Capital of Culture 2023 and a tour of the Nokia Romania Headquarters where participants got to see the workings of new technological innovations.

A big thank you goes to the first Inter-Regional Thematic Workshop, the West Regional Development Agency in Romania, all the project partners, stakeholders and other participants for helping us all get the most out of this get-together!