Fundamental Level: Developing of intellectual capital and diffusing innovation.

Key Point: Creating a cross-border institutional framework and fostering synergistic networking. At this stage, tacit knowledge is accumulated through international publications, congresses, and grant schemes. We are creating a unique ecosystem where fundamental science, venture capital and public policy converge (the “Triple Helix” model), fostering the organic emergence of cross-disciplinary breakthrough ideas.

Results: An established global community of experts, a steady pipeline of verified innovative hypotheses, and access to leading international intellectual resources.

Technological Level: Audit of the realisability and recognition of intangible assets.

Key Point: In-depth technology audit and assessment of research and production potential (technology readiness level, TRL). We decompose the technology to identify critical barriers to scaling up (bottlenecks) at an early stage. At the same time, an intellectual property portfolio is being developed: patent searches are being carried out, the clarity of patents is being assessed, and an IP strategy is being developed for target international markets, with the aim of creating long-term competitive advantages.

Results: Proof of technology; a legally protected portfolio of intangible assets, including patents and know-how; and minimised risk of competitors copying the technology.

Incubation Level: Institutionalisation and strategic deployment.

Key Point: The transformation of a disparate group of researchers into a structured business unit (Founding Team). We integrate sector-specific expertise into the project, provide the necessary infrastructure and smart resources, and validate the basic concept. This intensive mentoring phase involves an initial screening process for raw technological ideas, shaping them to meet the stringent requirements of today’s high-tech market.

Results: A well-established, complementary team of founders; a viable corporate structure for the start-up; and a ready-made roadmap for technological development.

Connecting Level: Commercial conversion and bridging the gap between science and the market.

Key Point: Implementing product management methodologies (such as Lean Start-up and Customer Development) within an academic community. The main economic challenge at this stage is overcoming the information asymmetry between scientists and investors. We convert scientific and technical specifications, such as flow rates, nanometres and algorithms, into economic values and metrics for calculating payback periods. A fundamental discovery is packaged into a minimum viable product (MVP) for testing on real customers, in order to validate the market hypothesis.

Results: A developed and tested MVP with proven product-market fit, and an investment teaser/business plan that conveys the project’s value using metrics that investors can understand.

Market Level: Business model scaling and expansion.

Key Point: Strategic marketing and financial engineering. At this stage, the precise market boundaries (TAM, SAM and SOM) are calculated, the go-to-market strategy is tested and a sustainable unit economics model (LTV/CAC > 3) is established. We integrate start-ups into the supply chains of large corporations and organise funding rounds for venture capital (Seed and Series A+). We place particular emphasis on managing operational risks and optimising ROI in order to ensure the company’s value grows exponentially.

Results: A high-margin, scalable international business with stable revenue growth (MRR/ARR), diversified sales channels and high investment appeal for institutional funds and strategic buyers (M&A).