Overview full day programme​​​

10:30 - 11:00 Walk-in: coffee, tea

11:00 - 11:20 Plenary opening

11:30 - 12:30 Break out sessions and campus tours

12:40 - 13:30 Lunch & networking

13:40 - 14:40 Break out sessions and campus tours

14:50 - 15:40 Plenary interactive session & closing

15:40 - 16: 30 Networking: drinks & snacks

Break outs​

1. AI in Action: transforming Knowledge Transfer Offices

How is AI reshaping the daily work of Knowledge Transfer Offices (KTOs) in universities? This interactive workshop explores how AI can accelerate and optimise key KT processes such as patent applications, market analysis, and identifying funding opportunities. We will discuss how these developments can enhance the impact of academic research and what this means for the evolving role of KTOs. Building on insights from the ASTP conference, the session offers a space to exchange experiences, reflect on opportunities and challenges, and explore practical next steps. Discover how your KTO can harness the power of AI.

2. Scaling up impact: from research to real-world solutions

How can we attract more resources to turn research into real-world impact? In this break out session we will explore strategies for scaling up research and valorisation. Learn from best practices in grant writing, public-private partnerships, and innovative funding models like impact funds. A real-life case study illustrates how successful funding led to practical application. Participants are encouraged to actively share their needs, ideas, and experiences in an open dialogue. Join us to discover new ways to connect funding with societal impact and get inspired with insights to boost your own research trajectory.

3. Strengthening entrepreneurial minimal viable ecosystems

How can we effectively support the scale-up of high-potential impact ideas? This breakout session explores the essential role of minimal viable ecosystems, with a focus on funding strategies, skills development, and collaborative networks. Drawing on insights from the creative industries and programmes such as CLICKNL, we will highlight practical examples of what works. Participants are encouraged to share perspectives and explore how institutions can better enable innovation with real-world impact. Join us to connect, learn, and shape stronger pathways for scaling impact.

4. Making impact with digital research outputs

Explore how the Value Creation Guidelines for software, AI, and data are developed and implemented within WUR. This session highlights the critical role of Knowledge Transfer Offices (KTOs) and cross-departmental support required to successfully transform research outputs into valuable digital solutions.

5a. Morning only: Drive innovation and collaboration by sharing research equipment and facilities

This session will explore strategies for optimizing the shared use of research equipment & facilities and fostering collaboration to maximize innovation and impact. We will exchange best practices for coordinating the shared use of facilities & research equipment, enabling joint investments, and discuss successful approaches based on our own experiences. The session will conclude with an open discussion on how to strengthen cross-institutional partnerships, ensuring greater collective success to drive innovation and knowledge exchange.

5b. Afternoon only: Recognising impact in academic careers: academic career framework for impact

This breakout session explores the development and implementation of an Academic Career Framework (ACF) with a specific focus on recognising and rewarding impact across academic roles. Participants will share insights into the design and rollout of impact pathways within the ACF and reflect on the increasing role of impact pathways in receiving funding. Through a structured dialogue, attendees will exchange best practices, identify common challenges, and discuss the role of academic supporting staff. The session offers practical insights for institutions aiming to embed impact more effectively into academic career development.

Tours

A. NPEC - state of the art research facility

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) has made significant investments in large-scale research infrastructure to provide cutting-edge plant screening technologies in support of its world-class researchers. In collaboration with Utrecht University, WUR has designed and built the Netherlands Plant Eco-phenotyping Centre (NPEC) — a state-of-the-art research facility for large-scale, automated monitoring of plant growth over time. During this tour, we will walk to the NPEC facility and visit the climate-controlled growth chambers, where you’ll explore various experiments and a fully automated greenhouse and where plant development is continuously monitored using advanced cameras and sensors, while the plants move on conveyor belts to imaging and watering stations. For more information, visit www.npec.nl.

B. Starters@AlgaePARC

Join us for an exclusive visit to AlgaePARC, the pioneering research facility at Wageningen University & Research, where sustainable biotechnology meets real-world impact. This tour features Algreen B.V. and Grassa, two trailblazing companies advancing green technology and circular agriculture. You’ll discover how Algreen helps algae producers to enhance their productivity, streamline biomass processing, produce valuable extracts and navigate the complexities of regulatory landscapes in the microalgae industry. Grassa unlocks the full nutritional value of grass through a natural biorefining process, producing high-quality ingredients for the food industry and reducing livestock emissions simultaneously. Together with AlgaePARC these innovators are driving the future of sustainable agriculture. Transportation to this location will be by bus. For more information, visit www.algaeparc.com

C. Starthub Wageningen

Join us for a visit to Starthub Wageningen, the incubator of Wageningen University & Research (WUR), open to our community of entrepreneurial changemakers of students, scientists, and alumni. It is a vibrant space where entrepreneurial ideas evolve into impactful initiatives that benefit society. StartHub collaborates with initiatives like WUR Student Challenges, StartLife, and other key partners in the innovation and startup ecosystem of Wageningen and beyond. By fostering a supportive ecosystem and providing specialized programmes, resources, facilities, a network, funding and expertise, WUR nurtures innovative ideas and startups that apply state of the art insights to maximise impact within society. Come and be inspired by the energy, creativity, and ambition that drive the next generation of changemakers.