In a recent podcast interview with Science|Business, Michael Krisch, the director of research at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, emphasized the importance of big science labs in training young tech entrepreneurs. According to Krisch, these research infrastructures house a wide array of emerging technologies and possess deep expertise in their potential applications, making them invaluable classrooms for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to delve into the world of technology.
Krisch highlighted the unique capabilities of research infrastructures like ESRF, describing them as „giant microscopes“ that allow researchers to examine materials and living matter at the molecular atomic level. These facilities cater to a broad spectrum of fields, including health materials, earth and planetary science, as well as emerging areas like cultural and national heritage. For students who have the opportunity to spend time in these labs, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities and sparks their curiosity to explore and discover.
Drawing from his experience in training over 900 potential entrepreneurs through the EU-funded ATTRACT Academy initiative, Krisch emphasized the hands-on learning approach adopted by the program. The Academy brings together students from diverse disciplines such as design, finance, marketing, physics, and biology to collaborate with lab researchers and technicians at ESRF and other renowned facilities. This collaborative environment allows students to envision new applications for emerging technologies and learn how to develop a viable business around them, providing them with a unique and powerful learning experience.
One of the key advantages of exposing young entrepreneurs to research infrastructures is the diverse range of technologies and skills available, along with the experience of working across disciplinary boundaries. Krisch noted that scientists from different fields often struggle to communicate effectively due to their specialized languages, but research infrastructures have adapted to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. This ability to bridge the gap between various scientific disciplines has proven beneficial for both industrial partners and students, fostering an ecosystem of innovation that is both inspiring and impactful.
The projects undertaken by students at the ATTRACT Academy have yielded promising results, ranging from developing monitoring units for gas distribution networks to creating new systems for cryptography and cyber security. These innovative projects showcase the potential for technology to address real-world challenges and create opportunities for commercialization. Moreover, some students who participated in the program have been hired by industrial partners within the ATTRACT ecosystem, highlighting the practical impact of their experiences at research infrastructures.
The ATTRACT project, funded as part of Horizon 2020, aims to expand the Academy by collaborating with new partners in academia, science, and industry, focusing on cutting-edge fields like battery research and neuroscience. By instilling an entrepreneurial mindset in Europe’s tech community, the project seeks to foster a culture of innovation and competitiveness that will propel the region forward. Ultimately, the goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem of innovation that will position Europe as a global leader in technology and entrepreneurship.