Experts are going to form at least one high tech company. This is the objective of a new project where scientists, designers and business developers take part in one of the most pioneering commercial initiatives at Risø. In cooperation with CONNECT Denmark and Danish Designers, Risø DTU has gathered experts within research, design and business development to take part in an unusual experiment aimed at creating new business ideas and new companies with a high level of knowledge and high growth potential. – We have gathered some incredibly competent and creative people who are very dedicated to creating results. We have chosen scientists who are used to working with commercialisation and who have carried through some successful projects, so we have high expectations of the results, says Innovation Manager at Risø DTU Helle Bunkenborg.
The initiative, known as the 3x8 Network, consists of 8 scientists selected by Risø DTU, 8 designers selected by Danish Designers and 8 business developers selected by CONNECT Denmark.
Guaranteed optimal conditions
During the next six weeks the 24 experts will meet four times. After six weeks they will probably have a concept ready that will finally become a sustainable business. After this some selected projects will receive technological and commercial support from Risø DTU, funding to develop a technological proof of concept at Risø DTU and also get the opportunity to enter into a springboard process leading towards commercialisation through CONNECT Denmark.
- It is up to the participants to ensure that something concrete comes out of the initiative and we give them the optimal conditions for creating results, says Regional Manager André Elm, CONNECT Denmark.
Several commercial successes
The experts praise the initiative and call on other research and educational institutions to take similar initiatives as this will result in increased interaction between scientists and the business community and enhance the commercialisation of the world-class research that is being carried out in Denmark.
- From my five years at the Technical University of Denmark, I know that it is necessary to make an effort to increase communication between scientists and the outside world. With initiatives like these, I see great potential for more commercial successes based on Danish research, says Director of Venture Cup, Torsten Kolind, who is one of the business developers in the network.
Natural product development
The 3x8 network is an extension of a former project implemented two years ago where 12 researchers and 12 designers were matched, but this time business developers are also involved in order to put more emphasis on commercialisation.
- I am pleased that the commercial dimension has been taken into account. With the current combination, we are imitating the natural process regarding product development in most companies. There is no doubt in my mind that this model will become more used in Denmark and the rest of Europe, says Managing Director Steinar Amland. Danish Designers.
Steinar Amland is being backed up by Søren Merit, the holder of MeritPlus+, who is offering consulting services in business development.
- When you have knowledge of technology, the market and strong competences within visualisation and design, you’re well on the way, says Søren Merit, business developer in the project.
Contacts
Innovation Manager Helle Bunkenborg, Risø DTU, 46774662, helle.bunkenborg@risoe.dk
Regional Manager André Elm, CONNECT Denmark Zealand, 2960 6096, andre@connectdenmark.com
Managing Director Steinar Amland, Danish Designers, 33137230, sa@danishdesigners.com
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