Leuven, Flemish Region, Belgium
I am an entrepreneurial engineering generalist with +25 years experience in high-tech R&D, business development, contract & IP negotiations, startup creation and teaching on innovation related topics. My backgrounds include a chemical engineering Ma degree, an executive MBA an advanced Ma degree in Artificial Intelligence as well as a PhD in semiconductor processing. In my previous job as investment manager I helped researchers to bring their research to the market through the startup of a university spinout company. This includes coaching the team, helping in the business plan development, fundraising and contributing to further growth as a board member when the company is founded. Currently I am Director Sustainability at imec, the worlds largest independent research centre on nano-electronics and digital technologies where I want to help bringing our sector on a pathway towards sustainability and net zero. I am very keen on involving our entire community in this endeavor.
In my role as Director Sustainability I want to help our entire organization to take up a leading role in transforming the semiconductor industry to become sustainable, and do this in an inclusive manner with respect for all. This starts by working towards net zero emissions, but doesn't stop there: sustainability is much more than just carbon footprint, in encompasses ethics, diversity, relationships, equality and so much more. Let's do this...
My job consists of coaching high-tech startups in their entrepreneurial endeavours. This starts from the very first idea, and is followed by a hands on collaboration where together with the team we develop a business plan and financial plan and bring together an investment consortium - and in most cases this also leads to a board position to support further development and growth of the company.
Responsible for the valorisation process of the researchers of 12 associated university colleges
developing scientific strategy, coordinating research experiments, account management for big customers, project management