About the event​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

About 4TU.

4TU. unites the four technical universities in the Netherlands (TUD, TU/e, UT, and WUR) with a commitment to advancing the technological expertise and capacity for innovation. Through collaboration in education, research, and entrepreneurship, 4TU. aims to develop effective solutions to pressing global challenges.

By launching a diverse array of initiatives—such as collaborative research projects, educational resources, innovation contests and missions —4TU. fosters connections between academia, industry, and government. The federation's goal is to amplify the societal impact of technological advancements while promoting sustainable growth, making it a vital contributor to the knowledge-driven economy.

Discover the full scope of our impact on our website.

4TU Impact Support Day

The 4TU. Impact Support Day is an annual event that brings together professionals, researchers, and innovators from the four Dutch technical universities. This event serves as a platform to exchanging ideas, sharing innovations, and building collaborations across different fields. TU Delft and features a variety of engaging breakout sessions, including topics such as funding, startups, fieldlabs and collaboration with companies. Details about the topics of these breakout sessions can be found further down this page.

4TU Impact Challenge

The 4TU. Impact Challenge is a unique competition where startups from the four technical universities present their innovative solutions to some of the biggest societal and environmental challenges. It brings together the most promising entrepreneurial minds, each showcasing ideas that have the potential to make a real difference.

This year’s final is a must-attend event, offering a chance to see these inspiring startups in action. Competing for both the Jury Award and the Audience Award are ArtVista, TouchPulse, 4cues.ai, IN-DUC, Hippotainer, PermaVoltaics, Tomorrow Energies, and J58. These startups are tackling issues ranging from sustainability to technological advancement, offering fresh perspectives and solutions that could help shape the future.

Breakout sessions

7th of November

#1 Entrepreneurship and collaboration with the business community

How do we navigate our daily work while effectively collaborating with industry partners? In this interactive breakout session, we will share our experiences of collaborating with industry partners and the challenges we face in our daily work. Key topics include our organisational strategies, relationships with faculty, and our strengths as a team. Participants will identify pressing challenges and engage in discussions within smaller groups. We will reconvene to share insights and recommendations, fostering collaboration and enhancing our approach to working with companies.

#2 Spin-offs

In this session, we will explore the increasing role of universities in creating spin-offs and the need for transparency in this process. As the four technical universities collaborate to establish clear Deal Terms for intellectual property rights, we aim to harmonise our approaches and share best practices.

We will learn about the principles behind these deal terms and how they are applied in practice. We will also discuss the development of standard documents such as term sheets and shareholder agreements, which help clarify agreements consistently. Whether you're new to Deal Terms or already familiar, this session will provide valuable insights and an opportunity to exchange experiences and challenges in navigating start-up collaborations.

#3 Innovation: pioneering in a fieldlab

How can we accelerate innovation and bridge the gap between science and real-world application? By daring to go off the beaten path! At TU Delft, Fieldlabs and Livinglabs play a crucial role in this process. This breakout session will introduce you to RoboHouse, Sam-XL, and The Green Village—spaces where entrepreneurs, researchers, governments, and sometimes even local residents test innovations aimed at addressing major societal challenges.

We also invite you to join the conversation with Fieldlabs from other technical universities, or colleagues with plans for new Fieldlabs. This is an opportunity to share knowledge, learn from each other's experiences, and work together to scale innovations that can make a lasting impact on society.

#4 Horizon Europe Lump sum & Project and Financial Management

How do we effectively manage and implement externally funded projects in a changing landscape? This breakout session will focus on two essential topics.

First, we will explore how to navigate a Horizon Europe Lump Sum call. We’ll discuss the differences between the proposal phase and the project phase, highlighting key considerations for successful implementation.

Second, we’ll delve into the central coordination of funded projects. Project and financial management are crucial for any externally funded initiative. In this workshop, Eva and Wian will share best practices, organisational tips, and insights from their experiences managing projects at TU Delft.

Join this breakup session to gain valuable knowledge and strategies that can enhance your project implementation and management skills.

#5 Future way of working

Influence of AI in research funding advice & knowledge security issues in research proposals

How do we adapt to the evolving funding landscape while integrating new technologies into our workflows? This breakout session will facilitate two key discussions.

First, AI tools are here to stay and will continue to develop. We will explore how to effectively integrate these tools into our practices, addressing ethical concerns and ensuring transparency.

Second, the world is changing rapidly, and funding bodies in Brussels and NWO are adapting to these shifts, particularly regarding knowledge security in research proposals. Are we aware enough of these changes, and how can we incorporate them into our work?

Join the conversation with colleagues to share insights and collaboratively develop strategies that can significantly impact the future of research funding.

#6 Shaping the Future of IP

As the landscape of technology commercialization evolves, universities must adapt their IP policies to meet new challenges. We're witnessing trends such as licensing deals with small businesses instead of multinationals, an increase in research collaborations, and a rise in start-ups. The growing importance of software and AI, often linked to innovative products, adds further complexity to IP rights and contracts.

Researchers may face conflicts between their freedom to pursue research and the need to valorise research outcomes. In this workshop, we will share experiences and smart strategies to navigate these changes. Join us as we discuss how colleagues are addressing the evolving landscape of IP and commercialization.

Tours

During the 4TU. Impact Support Day, you will have the chance to join exclusive tours that offer a behind-the-scenes look at projects and innovative facilities at TU Delft. These guided tours will showcase technologies and research initiatives that are shaping the future.

1. The Green Village - Explore The Green Village, a living lab where sustainable urban innovations like smart grids and climate-neutral building techniques are tested in real-world conditions.

2. SAM XL - Visit SAM XL, a field lab focused on automation and robotics for the production of large, lightweight structures used in advanced manufacturing.

3. ESP Lab - Step into the ESP Lab, TU Delft’s high-voltage facility, where groundbreaking research is conducted on electricity networks and renewable energy solutions.