This year’s University Industry Innovation Network (UIIN) conference in Amsterdam put deep tech firmly in the spotlight. Partners, including UIIN, Crazy Town, Momentum, and IMTBS, attended, reconnecting with colleagues and sharing ideas.
A standout moment was the keynote address on the third day by Beau-Anne Chilla, partner at venture capital firm FORWARD.one a company with a strong focus on investing in deep tech innovations.
Chilla shared valuable insights into what it really takes to turn academic research into successful, scalable ventures. Drawing on real-world success stories from FORWARD. one’s portfolio including Quantware (quantum computing), Voltfang (battery storage) and Villari (structural health monitoring) she spoke frankly about the realities of launching deep tech startups.
Her presentation highlighted the key obstacles academic founders face, from long R&D cycles and high-risk environments to the complex barriers of licensing terms and equity structures. From a venture capital perspective, Chilla boiled her advice down to three powerful lessons:
- Prioritise building the right team.
- Value speed over perfection.
- Get the intellectual property transfer and the cap table right.
Her key message resonated especially with the DT Launch Pad team:
“Deep tech innovations are more important than ever, and universities play a key role in shaping the future.”
UIIN Associate Partner and session moderator, Dr. Todd Davey, dug deeper with Chilla in a fascinating Q&A session, drawing out what venture capitalists really look for in a university spin-off and how investors like FORWARD.one are actively shaping the future of innovation.
At DT Launch Pad, together with our partner universities, we’re dedicated to helping researchers take their ideas to the next level. Our training programme is designed to prepare deep tech founders for commercial success, turning promising research into thriving startups.
Applications are still open until 31st July for those who are ready to take their science-based idea into the world. Register now to secure your place: DT LaunchPad Programme – DTLaunchPad