I-SENSE’s new Innovation & Networking Office was launched in June 2024 undertaking the crucial task of fostering and managing innovation within I-SENSE, bridging research, business and external partnerships. The new IN office aspires to become a driving force behind turning creative ideas and research outputs into marketable, impactful products or services. It works across internal divisions and external partners to foster a dynamic culture of innovation and drive technology commercialization and collaboration efforts. Some of the key tasks for IN:
- Facilitating the commercialization of research outputs by helping transfer innovative technologies or solutions from labs or research teams to the market.
- Assisting internal research teams in developing their ideas into actionable innovations, guiding them through processes such as prototyping, development, and testing.
- Accessing Funding and Helping research groups secure funding for innovation, such as through grants, venture capital, or public funding initiatives like the European Commission’s programs.
- Establishing and managing relationships with external partners, including businesses, universities, and other research institutions, to foster collaborative innovation projects.
- Participating in innovation ecosystems by connecting with local, national, and international networks, such as technology clusters, consortia, and innovation hubs.
- Managing Innovation Projects: Overseeing the lifecycle of innovation projects, from conception through to execution and evaluation. Ensuring projects are aligned with strategic objectives and are delivered on time and within budget.
- Promoting the principles of open innovation, which encourages sharing ideas, technologies, and resources with external organizations to develop new products, services, or processes.
- Assisting in the creation of spin-offs or startups based on internal research and innovation, offering mentorship, resources, and business development advice.
- Helping prepare and submit grant proposals for innovation funding, such as for national or international funding programs (e.g., Horizon Europe, European Innovation Council).
- Leading or participating in consortia for large, collaborative projects funded by external bodies, ensuring proper project coordination.
As Giorgios Megas, the Head of the Innovation & Networking Office notes ‘Our team aims to cover a pressing need for I-SENSE research, a need to go beyond the task of generating knowledge and expertise and convert groundbreaking research that is currently being produced in the labs, to tangible solutions, partnerships and new ventures that will have a transformative effect in industries and society”. The office is also staffed with Dr Athni Pournara, Scientific Project Manager and Giorgos Papavasileiou, also scientific project manager. IN’s activities will be co-shaped by the particular needs of the research Divisions, the European common practices and frames, but also new projects and synergies that may arise.
We encourage all researchers to reach out to the Innovation and Networking Office for any related inquiries, support, or guidance. Wishing the Innovation and Networking Office a great start and every success in its important mission. May it thrive and lead to many fruitful collaborations and innovations!
