VALORISING SKILLS, EMPOWERING KTOS — BUILDING EUROPE’S BRIDGE FROM RESEARCH TO IMPACT
Skills4Valorisation strengthens Europe’s knowledge valorisation capacity by equipping KTO and TTO professionals with the skills, tools and support needed to turn research into real-world impact. Through a competence framework, training, mentoring and cascade-funded pilots, the project helps modernise knowledge transfer services across Europe.
Grant agreement: Nº 101291711
Duration
06.2026– 05.2029
Programme badge
Horizon Europe / WIDERA
Project Budget
€2 M
The Challenge
Europe produces world-class research, yet much of its potential remains underused. Knowledge and Technology Transfer Offices often face gaps in professionalisation, resources and skills, with significant disparities across Europe, particularly in Widening countries, alongside persistent gender imbalances in leadership.
Our Objective
To strengthen Europe’s knowledge valorisation capacity by upgrading the skills and services of KTO and TTO professionals. Skills4Valorisation combines a new competence framework, innovative training and cascade-funded pilots to support the wider adoption of European knowledge valorisation principles and practices.
Innovation & Impact
Skills4Valorisation combines a European competence framework with practice-based training, mentoring, peer learning and an AI Innovation Companion Tool. Through two open calls funding 20 pilot projects, it puts new approaches into practice and strengthens the capacity to transform research into societal and economic value.
Sploro plays a key role in the strategic execution of the project, leveraging its expertise in:
Coordination
Leading the overall project governance, quality assurance and administrative management, ensuring effective coordination and implementation across the consortium.
FSTP Management
Designing and managing two cascade funding open calls supporting 20 pilot projects, including beneficiary monitoring, mentoring and peer learning throughout implementation.
Economic Impact
Channelling up to €600,000 in cascade funding to 20 pilots that help universities and research organisations turn research into new services, spin-offs and licensing opportunities, strengthening Europe’s innovation economy.
Ecosystem Strengthening
Building a stronger ERA-wide network connecting KTOs, TTOs, universities, researchers, industry and policymakers across 20+ countries, with strong engagement from Widening regions.
Societal Impact
Promoting greater gender balance in knowledge valorisation, with at least 50% female participation in training, while equipping a new generation of researchers with entrepreneurial and impact-oriented skills.
Tech Impact
Deploying an AI Innovation Companion Tool to support early-stage innovators, alongside modernised digital services and toolkits for KTOs and TTOs.
The Empowomen consortium brings together 4 partners from 3 European countries
Sploro
EurA
MWCB
SCE
