October 2, 2026
Navigating the Journey from Research to Spin-offs
The ToBeReal project took part in BIOSPAIN 2026 in Bilbao, joining the biotech and innovation community to exchange ideas around research, entrepreneurship, intellectual property and collaboration. Represented by PNO Innovation Spain, ToBeReal participated alongside fellow EU-funded projects C4B, BREADCRUMB and E-OiLÉ, creating an opportunity to connect projects working across different areas and share experiences on bringing scientific developments closer to the market.
Unlocking the Lab: Navigating Patents and the Spin-Off Landscape
A highlight of the event was the roundtable “Unlocking the Lab: Navigating Patents and the Spin-off Landscape”, moderated by Lara Valentín Carrera, PhD, from PNO Innovation Spain.
The session explored the decisions researchers face when transforming scientific developments into new ventures. Moving from the laboratory to a successful spin-off involves much more than a promising scientific result: researchers must make strategic choices about intellectual property, funding, commercialisation and team building, often at an early stage of development.
The discussion also addressed the different routes available for financing a spin-off, including public and private funding, and the importance of understanding which sources of finance are most appropriate at different stages of development.
Another key consideration is the team behind the technology. Turning research into a viable company requires a combination of scientific expertise, entrepreneurial capabilities and a clear understanding of market needs. The roundtable therefore explored both the green flags that can indicate a promising pathway towards a spin-off and the red flags researchers should recognise early in the process.
