Verhaert, a leading European innovation service provider, is proud to announce that its business division Verhaert Strategic Innovation has been selected as one of the delivery partners in SPIN: Rise. This new technology transfer program launched by EIT Digital aims to accelerate the commercialization of scientific research across Europe.
As Europe faces complex security challenges and increasing global competition, dual-use innovation has become more crucial than ever. From cybersecurity to advanced materials and AI-powered defense systems, the technologies we develop today must serve both civil society and national security interests. Verhaert Strategic Innovation, part of the Verhaert Group, will host and lead the program’s ‘Dual-Use Technologies for Civil and Security Applications’ track, known as Evolve DualTech, helping researchers transform promising innovations into market-ready solutions that serve both civilian and security needs.
Bridging Europe’s research-to-market gap
Despite Europe’s globally recognized leadership in scientific output, the continent continues to face significant challenges in translating research into commercial success. The SPIN: Rise program aims to tackle this issue by providing researchers with targeted entrepreneurial training, strategic coaching and access to innovation ecosystems that can help bring cutting-edge technologies to market.
The Evolve DualTech track is led by experienced consultants and innovation experts from Verhaert Strategic Innovation, alongside external keynote speakers and mentors. With decades of expertise in dual-use technologies, product development and early-stage commercialization, the Verhaert team offers participants practical guidance, strategic insight and real-world know-how.
“At Verhaert, we believe that innovation is only as valuable as its ability to create real-world impact,” says Eleni Anastasopoulou, Project Manager of the Evolve DualTech program at Verhaert Strategic Innovation. “As Europe strengthens its strategic autonomy through initiatives such as the ReArm Europe Plan, dual-use technologies that serve both civil and security applications have become increasingly essential. Our program is designed to empower researchers to bridge the gap between academic excellence and market application, ensuring their work translates into tangible solutions for society.”
A unique focus on dual-use innovation
The Evolve DualTech track offers a dedicated pathway for researchers developing dual-use technologies. These are innovations that hold potential for both civilian markets and security or defense applications. The track combines:
- A seven-week online training and mentoring phase covering intellectual property strategies, business model design, market validation and early-stage investment readiness.
- An immersive three-day in-person bootcamp in Brussels, where participants will engage with industry experts, investors and peers to refine their commercialization strategies.
The initiative is open to researchers at all stages of their careers, including PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows, with no prior entrepreneurial experience required.
Part of a broader European effort
Within the SPIN: Rise program, the Evolve DualTech track is one of four specialized technology domains alongside:
- Smart manufacturing and digital factories led by Bocconi University (Milan)
- Digital health and AI-driven wellbeing led by Applejack Lab, Instituto Pedro Nunes, and PitchBob.io (Lisbon)
- Cyber-resilient societies and trustworthy AI led by SIBB (Berlin)
The SPIN: Rise program builds on the success of SPIN: Explore, which engaged over 100 researchers from 29 countries with a strong focus on inclusion and gender diversity.
“European research excellence is world class, but we continue to face challenges in translating scientific breakthroughs into market success,” says Federico Menna, CEO of EIT Digital. “SPIN: Rise addresses this critical gap by equipping researchers with practical tools to navigate commercialization.”
Applications open until mid-September 2025
Researchers and innovators interested in bringing their dual-use technologies to market are encouraged to apply before September 15th. The Evolve DualTech program will officially kick off in October 2025.
For more information and to submit applications, please visit: Evolve DualTech Track.