“My work basically comes down to matchmaking. I am the matchmaker between the academic researcher and the industrial party. In part, that implies motivating researchers toward a certain line of thinking. The other part is what we jokingly call ‘the hunt’. Here, I act as a kind of detective to find out who would want what we have. When it works out and you get positive feedback from an industrial party; that is a great reward. Because it means that I have found something of value to them. A potential solution to a puzzle they are facing. The information we work with is all out there, the trick is to use it more cleverly than the next guy.” Tim Moser, Business Developer TTO VU & VUmc
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TEAM OBJECTIVE ENTHUSIASM “More and more, researchers actively approach us for support. Especially the young and upcoming ‘stars’ know how to find us. They are eager to add a patent or a business activity to their resume, but most of them want to stay in research. The challenge is to help them achieve their valorisation goals, without creating too much interference with their academic work and responsibilities. Our aim is to ensure that it all results in a 14
valuable addition to their career. I think the most important aspect of our role is to bring what I call ‘objective enthusiasm’ to the table. We are realistic and critical, but also optimistic and creative. When we believe in the idea and the commitment of the researcher, we will keep on pushing the project untill it lands in the right environment.” Nigel Wagstaff, Business Developer, TTO VU & VUmc