Contract research
Collaboration tailored to your research question
Do you have a specific research question or are you looking for specialised expertise? Through contract research, VITO supports companies and organisations in developing, testing and optimising innovative solutions. Depending on your needs and objectives, we can work together either through a flexible collaboration model (based on expertise and time) or through a fixed project fee.
Flexible collaboration model based on expertise and time
With a collaboration model based on expertise and time, we work in a flexible and goal-oriented way to address your question. This approach is particularly suitable for:
- exploratory research
- technical analyses
- rapidly deployable expertise
- recurring research questions
You gain access to scientific knowledge, technological expertise and transparent reporting, fully tailored to your objectives, challenges and needs. You only pay for the expertise and time effectively deployed.
Clear agreements with a fixed project fee
Collaboration can also be organised through a fixed project fee. In this case, we agree in advance on the objectives, planning, budget and concrete results. This gives you cost certainty combined with a clear approach and strong substantive expertise.
This model is particularly suitable for innovation and sustainability projects where a clearly defined scope, predictability and tangible results are key.
Contact us for more information about contract research with VITO
Projects with shared risk and shared value
Investing together in sustainable added value
Some innovation projects require more than a traditional collaboration. In projects with shared risk and shared value, VITO and its partners work together based on shared objectives, a common ambition and mutual commitment. The focus is not only on carrying out research, but also on the societal and economic impact we aim to achieve together.
This type of collaboration is particularly suitable for ambitious projects in which:
- circularity is central
- system innovation is required
- long-term value is created
As this form of collaboration is based on shared commitment and shared risk, clear agreements, transparent expectations and a strong strategic alignment between all partners are essential. As a result, not every project is suited to this type of collaboration.
Contact us for more information about projects with shared risk
Technology transfer and licensing
From knowledge to impactful applications
Innovation only creates real added value when knowledge and technology find their way into the market and society. Through technology transfer and licensing agreements, we support companies and organisations in valorising VITO’s knowledge, technologies and intellectual property.
We support the journey from research to application and help companies leverage VITO’s innovative technologies and expertise to create societal and economic added value.
This type of collaboration is particularly suitable for organisations that:
- are seeking access to VITO technologies and intellectual property
- want to develop innovative applications
- want to translate research into concrete applications
- aim to create societal and economic added value
Research and innovation projects
Joining forces to tackle societal challenges and drive innovation
VITO works closely with companies, governments, knowledge institutions and other partners in competitive funded projects at Flemish, European and international level. Together, we combine expertise and develop strong project proposals around shared research questions and societal challenges.
Depending on the project and the specific call, VITO can:
- take on a leading role within a consortium
- act as an expert or strategic partner
- support the development of strong project proposals
Thanks to our extensive experience with competitive research and innovation funding, VITO has built strong expertise in successfully submitting and delivering funded projects. This gives us a solid understanding of the expectations and success factors of different funding programmes.
Contact us for more information about submitting a project together
Research infrastructure
Access to advanced infrastructure and expertise
VITO has state-of-the-art research infrastructure that enables companies and organisations to develop, test and scale up new technologies, materials and processes.
Through shared access to our infrastructure, you gain access to specialised facilities, advanced equipment and the expertise of our researchers. This allows you to innovate and scale up without having to invest in the purchase and maintenance of specialised installations and infrastructure.
This type of collaboration is particularly suitable for organisations that:
- want to develop or validate new technologies
- want to test innovative materials and processes
- want to scale up technologies or processes
Contact us for more information about using our research infrastructure
Data exchange and artificial intelligence
Reliable data as a driver for sustainable innovation
Sustainable innovation is accelerated through responsible data exchange and trustworthy artificial intelligence applications. Through collaborations focused on data exchange and artificial intelligence, VITO develops secure, transparent and ethically responsible solutions that contribute to a sustainable societal and industrial transition.
Through these collaborations, we support organisations in:
- secure data exchange
- data-driven innovation
- artificial intelligence applications
- sustainable digital solutions
- insights based on geospatial data
Through the Sustainable Agentic Intelligence Lab (SAIL), VITO provides access to powerful geospatial datasets and expertise that support organisations in data-driven innovation and sustainable decision-making.
Contact us for more information about collaborating with VITO’s Sustainable AI Lab
Start-up support and venture building
From innovative idea to impactful business
In addition to established organisations, VITO also supports start-ups, scale-ups and spin-offs working on innovative and sustainable solutions.
Through VITO4STARTERS, we support start-ups with seed funding, technological expertise, business coaching, access to infrastructure and a strong ecosystem of investors, industrial partners and fellow innovators within and beyond VITO.
ImmuneSpec, one of VITO's spin-offs
Within the VITO Venture Studio, we build new spin-offs based on promising VITO technologies. We support the entire journey from technology to market-ready business: technology valorisation, business development, team building, mentoring, access to investors and support with intellectual property and legal aspects.
Through our venture and start-up activities, we bring together technology, expertise, entrepreneurship and investment to accelerate innovation to market and drive sustainable growth.
Would you like to know more?
Contact Nils Wuytens for more information about VITO’s venture and start-up activities.
