Compared to previous years, the number of new spin-offs remained roughly the same. In 2023 there were five, in 2022 six, and in 2021 five again. In 2020 there were two. In 2024, Phos4Nova B.V., Flawless Flow Pumps B.V. and Twente Medical Optics B.V. were founded.
Phos4Nova develops stable and biologically safe polymers (molecular chains). These can aid in drug absorption and improve the visibility of contrast agents in MRI scans, enabling doctors to interpret images more effectively.
Flawless Flow Pumps manufactures magnetic blood pumps for patients with heart problems. Because there are no moving parts, unlike in traditional pumps, patients experience fewer blockages and less shear stress, which also reduces the need for medication. The new design also requires significantly less maintenance.
Twente Medical Optics produces handheld laser perfusion imagers (HAPIs)—portable laser scanners that allow doctors to measure skin blood flow in burn patients. Good blood flow is a reliable indicator of whether a skin graft has been successful. Existing solutions were either too large for use in the operating theatre or too polluting and risky.
What does UT gain from this?
UT can support spin-offs with expertise and research, helping to improve the invention and ensuring it meets the various requirements for certification. In return, UT may request shares in the company, entitling it to a portion of the profits. These shares are managed by University of Twente Holding (UTH). The UTH portfolio now contains 44 spin-offs, from which UT receives varying profit percentages, ranging from 53 to less than 1 per cent.
Knowledge subscriptions
Some UT discoveries do not immediately result in spin-offs but can still benefit existing companies. In such cases, UT may choose to sell the knowledge or license it out, allowing the party using it to pay a periodic fee. In 2024, the UT sold 14 such 'subscriptions', generating just over 200 thousand euros in income last year.
In addition, UT invests in venture capital funds. Examples include DeepTechXL, as well as Istart.nl, Photon Ventures and Shift Invest Coöperatief. These venture capital funds focus on innovative and fast-growing companies, particularly in the high-tech sector. DeepTechXL specialises in photonics, quantum computing, nanotechnology, and semiconductors.
How does a spin-off come about?
Researchers are constantly conducting studies. For example, in biomedical technology, or nanochip development. When someone discovers a technology that can benefit society while also generating revenue, there may be a need to develop it on a larger scale. Often, the researcher lacks the time and financial resources to do this themselves, and not every scientist has a commercial mindset. By creating a separate company and attracting investors, the idea can be brought to market.
