Velcro is one of the many ubiquitous products originally invented for space

What is technology transfer

Technology is increasing the speed of competition in pretty much every industry: companies that don’t innovate or even just hesitate too long are quickly outcompeted by challengers. To keep up with this nonstop pace of innovation, companies have to constantly bring new products or features to market, but developing them from scratch can be a lengthy, costly, and risky process, often carried out through trial and error. A shortcut to this risky path could be technology transfer from an industry where an innovation has reached maturity to one where its application is novel but promising.

A typical pattern for tech transfer is from heavily knowledge-intensive industries, such as space or scientific research, where the most advanced technologies are developed for frontier applications, to mass-market applications where these advancements can make a difference for consumers and other companies unrelated to the original application of the invention.

Why companies find technology transfer appealing

There are multiple reasons why the technology transfer route can be appealing:

• Risk reduction: The technologies to be transferred have been proven to work in other applications, so the risk is only about adaptation.
• Speed: By merely reusing something rather than coming up with it, a company can leapfrog many stages of development and get the new product or feature on the market in a considerably quicker way.
• Cost: The investment needed for the transfer is often only a fraction of what it would cost to develop something from the basic research stage through all the development phases.
• Synergies: Transferred technologies can leverage a company’s existing strengths, enabling it to seize previously unforeseen opportunities, such as entering new markets or fending off competitors through other strategic moves.
• Image: Associating a company’s products with technology coming from frontier applications can instill in the public the perception that the company is at the forefront of progress.

Technology transfer examples

There are plenty of successful examples regarding this. During the space race in the aftermath of World War II, the brave investments in the space industry (up to 4% of all federal spending in the US in the mid-1960s) yielded a treasure trove of innovations that propelled our species forward. A few noteworthy examples from that era include: memory foam, mylar, anti-scratch glass, wireless communication, etc… The list goes on and on. All these inventions were later incorporated into mass-produced products that improved the quality of life of billions of people.

In Europe, ESA has developed incredible technologies since its creation more than 50 years ago. Since 1990, ESA’s official tech transfer program has given hundreds and hundreds of companies a competitive edge in their non-space markets.

A few interesting case studies related to Belgian companies:

• APO-GEE, a company based in Seraing, originally invented the ‘Butterfly cage’, an innovative cage for ball bearings that eliminates instabilities in hard-to-service satellites. The company is now adapting the product for non-space applications, such as high-precision automation and machine spindles, both markets worth tens of billions.
• Nuclivision, a software company from Ghent that develops diagnosis assistance tools for medical nuclear imaging, took an algorithm developed for Earth observation purposes by the Greek space company OHB Hellas and included it in their product to automate the diagnostic process for nuclear PET scans, thus decreasing the wait time for patients and the cost for hospitals.

Butterfly cage technology transfer demonstration for machine-tool spindles ©APO-GEE

The ESA tech broker and Spark Funding

There is an enormous amount of patents, software, and inventions from ESA R&D activities, potentially up for grabs, in addition to the thousands of space companies in the ESA ecosystem that might be willing to commercialize their technology. To navigate this unstructured ecosystem, ESA has a network of Technology Brokers all over Europe. These brokers help companies find the technology best suited to their needs (in Belgium, this tech broker is managed by Verhaert Masters in Innovation).

When companies find space technology that could make them more competitive, they can apply for Spark Funding, a grant of up to €120.000 to help smooth the adaptation of the space technology into a product in another industry (a.k.a. a ‘spin-off’). The measure is also for companies willing to commercialize their technology towards the space industry (a ‘spin-in’).

In addition to identifying new technologies and applying for the Spark Funding initiative, the ESA Tech Broker Belgium can help Belgian companies willing to strengthen their intellectual property, enter the space industry, or find new customers/investors.

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How space tech found its way into hospitals

Nuclivision, a start-up based in Belgium, is applying image processing techniques originally developed for satellites to improve medical scans here on Earth. These techniques, first used by OHB-Hellas to analyze data from space, are now helping radiologists get clearer PET scan images faster and with less radiation exposure for patients.

PET scans are crucial in diagnosing cancer, brain disorders, and other serious conditions. But they can be time-consuming and costly, and they expose patients to radioactive substances. Nuclivision’s software helps solve all three problems by sharpening image quality while reducing the time and radiation needed for each scan.

Hospitals benefit too. Shorter scan times mean more patients can be seen each day, while lower doses cut costs and reduce health risks.

Real impact, growing market

The improvements this technology brings are practical and measurable:

• Lower costs: Hospitals spend less on radiotracers and equipment time.
• Better safety: Patients receive smaller doses of radioactive material.
• Faster scans: A 35% increase in patient throughput is possible.
• Sharper images: High-quality visuals lead to more reliable diagnoses.

These gains arrive at a critical moment. The global market for PET scans, worth $2.8 billion in 2023, is expected to grow to $4.3 billion by 2030. Technologies that increase speed and efficiency without sacrificing accuracy are well-positioned to meet this rising demand.

Making the most out of space technology

None of this would be possible without funding. Innovation needs more than good ideas, it needs support to get off the ground. Nuclivision’s work is backed by Spark Funding, an ESA program managed by Verhaert that helps translate space technologies into useful tools for everyday life.

This type of support is essential to bridging the gap between an interesting intuition and a successful product. It allows companies to test, refine, and scale their solutions while building a viable business model.

Verhaert’s role in cross-sector innovation

Technology transfer can be complex, success depends not just on technical compatibility but on understanding the needs of new markets. Verhaert Strategic Innovation supports organizations through this process by helping them assess where existing research, often developed in space or high-tech sectors, might serve practical purposes in other fields. Their experience, including long-standing work with the European Space Agency, offers valuable insight into how to adapt and apply advanced technologies in settings like healthcare.

By taking a collaborative, tailored approach, Verhaert works with companies to identify opportunities, overcome technical barriers, and align innovations with real-world applications. The goal is to reduce development risk, improve adoption, and make better use of existing research and investment.

Lessons from a successful technology transfer

Technology developed for space missions is now helping to improve medical imaging on the ground. Nuclivision’s use of satellite imaging techniques to enhance PET scans shows how existing research can be repurposed to meet urgent healthcare needs, reducing costs, improving patient safety, and making diagnostics more efficient. This progress was supported by Verhaert’s Spark initiative, which plays a vital role in bridging the gap between technical innovation and real-world application.

This example speaks to a larger point: meaningful innovation often comes not from starting from scratch, but from recognizing where proven technologies can solve new problems. With the right guidance and support, these kinds of transfers can create a lasting impact, not just for companies but for the sectors and people they serve.

If you’re exploring how to apply space or deep-tech solutions in your field, consider partnering with experts who can help turn promising ideas into practical outcomes.

Update

The company recently raised €5m in venture capital funding to expand the product portfolio and to scale its solutions in new countries.

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Space-grown algae, Earth’s next superfood

Take Astrofood, for example. Their goal? Developing food systems for long-duration space missions using microalgae. These tiny, nutrient-packed organisms could one day feed astronauts in deep space. But what’s just as exciting is how their research is shaping the future of sustainable farming here on Earth.

Packed with nutrients, microalgae like Spirulina are a powerhouse superfoods, lowering cholesterol, strengthening immunity, and fighting inflammation. However, large-scale production demands precision and control to ensure efficiency and quality. That’s where Leap Technologies, a Ghent University spin-off specializing in mechatronics, comes in. By working together, they’re creating advanced photobioreactors—high-tech growing systems that use sensors and automation to optimize algae cultivation. The result? Faster production, lower costs, and a more sustainable food source for both space and Earth.

Feeding two worlds: innovation for Earth and space

This breakthrough isn’t just about growing algae—it’s about opening doors to two major markets.

Sustainable food on Earth: With improved photobioreactor technology, Astrofood can compete in the growing market for alternative proteins. More efficient, high-quality microalgae production means lower costs, making nutritious, eco-friendly food more accessible while contributing to a more sustainable food system.

Future food for space missions: The data gathered from Earth-based farming will help design autonomous food systems for space. Imagine astronauts growing their own fresh food on long missions—reducing reliance on costly resupply missions from Earth.

Funding is key to turning space tech into tangible solutions

Great ideas need the right support to become real solutions. That’s where ESA Spark Funding comes in. This initiative helps turn space technology into practical applications here on Earth. With Verhaert’s support, Astrofood is scaling up its work, proving that space research can have everyday benefits for businesses and consumers alike, revolutionizing food production for feeding people on Earth and in space.

Break boundaries: boost your business with technology transfer

At Verhaert Strategic Innovation, we help businesses apply technology transfer to drive economic growth. With a strong track record of supporting tech transfer initiatives for the European Space Agency (ESA) and other advanced tech sectors like energy fusion, we connect companies with groundbreaking innovations that open new opportunities.

Why technology transfer matters for your business:

• Faster innovation, lower risk – Apply proven technologies to gain a competitive edge.
• New market potential – Unlock business opportunities in unexpected industries.
• Real-world impact – Space technology can tackle big real-world challenges, like food production and sustainability

Want to explore how technology transfer can help your business grow? Let’s talk about how we can make it work for you.

The post From space to supermarket: How technology transfer is shaping the future of food appeared first on Verhaert Masters in Innovation.

The post From space to supermarket: How technology transfer is shaping the future of food appeared first on Verhaert Masters in Innovation.