From Research to Market: Session on Commercialization & Technology Transfer

Date: Wednesday, 18 February 2026
Time: Bogotá (UTC−5) 07:00–08:45 | Berlin (UTC+1) 13:00–14:45 | Nairobi (UTC+3) 15:00–16:45 | Beijing (UTC+8) 20:00–21:45
Target Audience: Researchers and Research Managers

1. Welcome by WAITRO Operations e.V.

A short introduction and overview of the session’s objectives and its relevance for WAITRO members.

2. Experts Share Insights & Applied Knowledge
Speakers: Thomas Tradler (Fraunhofer IZI, Germany) Patrick Dias (Ministry of Science & Technology, Sri Lanka) & FR Bezuidenhout (North-West University, South Africa)

Our experts share their guidelines, experiences and real-world cases on advancing research outcomes toward sustainable impact. The session will explore:

• Paths to commercialization and understanding market potential
• Institutional mechanisms for business development and strategies
• Business model development and adaptation
• Assessing market readiness of research outputs (Need, Market, IP, Business Model)
• Technology marketing in practice: implementation, commercialization, marketing, and partner search
• Typical challenges and solutions for commercialization and tech transfer

More information coming soon.

3. Closing by WAITRO Operations e.V.

A brief summary of the session followed by concluding reflections and key takeaways.

Thomas Tradler (Fraunhofer IZI, Germany): With a background in Biology and Business Administration Thomas Tradler is currently Business Unit Manager for Digital Diagnostics and Head of the Executive Department of Market Intelligence at Fraunhofer IZI, Germany. He has over 15 years of experience in business development and IP management in applied research, combined with 10 years of management and development expertise in the pharmaceutical industry. He is an expert in patent management and actively supports the establishment and growth of successful industry–academia collaborations.

Patrick Dias (Ministry of Science and Technology, Sri Lanka): As Senior Advisor and Engineer, Patrick Dias has an extensive experience in management consulting and business performance analysis. He has led SME development projects in developing countries for the World Bank and worked at CSIRO in Australia on KPI development for State and Commonwealth agencies, research performance frameworks, and benchmarking of RTOs. He currently serves as a Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Science and Technology, focusing on R&D policy, research management, outcome and impact analysis, and research grant management systems.

FR Bezuidenhout: As a specialist in technology transfer and innovation FR Bezuidenhout is dedicated to turning engineering and research projects into commercial successes – from product development to market entry. At North-West University (South Africa), Mr Bezudenhout has devised IP management and protection, managed marketing efforts, and fostered collaborations with local, governmental, and international partners. Achievements include securing significant national and international funding, leading successful licensing negotiations that generate revenue for NWU, and supporting the creation of start-ups that bring university technologies to market.