On Thursday, 18 December 2025, the SeaTecHub project participated in the INNO2MARE Innovation Breakfast focused on research valorisation and technology transfer, featuring insights from Bram Verbinnen (University of Antwerp).

Verbinnen outlined how UAntwerp’s valorisation office supports innovation scouting, external funding, and spin-off/industry engagement, backed by specialised business developers. He also presented the university’s TRL-based funding pathway (TRL 1–9), including proof-of-concept schemes that require both technical and commercial progress to unlock follow-up support. The session shared UAntwerp’s outcomes (28 awarded projects and 24 active license agreements) and discussed challenges such as entrepreneurial talent and early-stage financing, addressed through dedicated offices and initiatives like the Antwerp Innovation Fund.

Maritime examples demonstrated practical technology transfer, including an ergonomic lashing tool for dock workers, fishing vessel stability monitoring, and a smart docking liner to reduce damage during port operations.

Looking ahead, SeaTecHub will leverage these insights—particularly the TRL-linked funding logic, proof-of-concept pathways, and structured technology transfer support—to strengthen the development of its upcoming business planning activities and the future exploitation route of project results.