2nd Technology Transfer & Commercialisation Course at IIMCB

On 14–16 September 2026, the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw hosted the 2nd Technology Transfer & Commercialisation Course, organised within the RACE project.

Over three days, participants explored key aspects of translating scientific discoveries into innovation, including intellectual property and patentability, technology valorisation, research partnerships, licensing, startup creation, negotiations, and investor perspectives. The programme combined expert lectures with hands-on exercises and an integrated case study.

A strong contribution came from invited experts from VIB: Jiska van der Reest, who spoke about the importance of technology transfer and took part in the practical case-study sessions; Jan Demolder, who addressed intellectual property rights and patentability in biotechnology; and Ethan Kuo, who led sessions on valorisation potential, building life-science startups and understanding the investor perspective.

The course also featured Paweł Botwina and Kornelia Mikuła from IIMCB, who covered topics ranging from intellectual property and patent searches to research partnerships, licensing and negotiation. Together, the speakers provided participants with practical knowledge and tools for navigating technology transfer and the commercialisation of research results