Market experts to support RTOs on Technology Transfer Process – TECHBRIDGE Programme

The primary goal of the programme is to accelerate the commercialization of research-driven innovations by addressing the gap between technological advancements made by RTOs and the specific needs of the industry within the agri-food sector. 

TechBridge is designed to enable RTOs with promising technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or higher to refine their innovations, ensuring they are market-ready and tailored to the demands of industry stakeholders. The programme achieves this by offering expert guidance, with a focus on market orientation and technological advancement. 

The key general objectives of the TechBridge programme include: 

• Enhancing Market-Driven Innovation: TechBridge aims to align cutting-edge technologies developed by RTOs with real-world market needs, particularly those of the food industry. The programme focuses on ensuring that these technologies are adapted and refined to meet specific industry demands, increasing their commercial viability. 

• Supporting Technology Readiness: The programme provides free of charge expert market guidance, to help RTOs elevate their technologies from TRL 6 or higher towards full market readiness, facilitating the transition from research to commercialization. 

• Paving the way for collaborations between RTOs and industry: TechBridge aims to strengthen the potential of collaboration of the RTOs in face of the industry, enabling the RTOs to work on solutions that will address key challenges in the agri-food sector.  

TechBridge programme focuses on equipping RTOs with the market knowledge and insights necessary to position their technologies in the most suitable market niches. This phase is essential for ensuring that the innovations being developed are not only technologically sound but also commercially viable.