HR4RS stamp
Raul Garcia Hemonnet
One of the aims of Rey Juan Carlos University is to contribute to productive development and social welfare by transferring knowledge and technology through the establishment of collaboration channels with different productive sectors and public or private institutions.
As a tool for this objective was born 'spin out', the new URJC technology-based project accelerator. Through it, we want to support the projects of the university community so that they become business realities. The ideas, as explained by the professor and head of entrepreneurship at the URJC, Francisco Blanco, “have to focus on three areas: health sciences, social sciences and engineering”.
Two categories will be established. On the one hand, ideas: that have less development; on the other: initiatives linked to research projects that already have a background and a path.
Being an accelerator, the entrepreneurship process “is intense”, indicates Blanco, who adds that, “as those responsible for the projects complete the acceleration phases, Spinout will contribute 'seed capital' to make them come true in the market".
Spinout's goal is to acquire at least 10 technology-based companies promoted by members of the URJC university community (PDI, PPI, PAS or students) "Although we can help more," says Professor Blanco. The process begins with a course 0 of entrepreneurship. “We know that in the university there is great potential for creating this type of company. The new companies that have to be created in the XNUMXst century are those based on knowledge, and one of the places where knowledge is born is in the universities” indicates Francisco Blanco.
The project would not be possible without the support, through financing, of the Madrid City Council. To participate, you must register through the accelerator's website. "There are already interested people who have contacted us to start the process, we have good expectations," says Blanco. 'Spinout' will hold different entrepreneurship seminars on all the URJC campuses, between the end of May and the beginning of June. In addition to training and capital contribution, if the phases of the program are met, the accelerator will provide advice to carry out the business plan, as well as to carry out the legal procedures and start operating in the market.
Following in the footsteps of MIT
With the creation of 'Spinout', the URJC follows in the footsteps of MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). The American institution served as the basis for the creation of the BOSE loudspeaker company, a leader in the sector worldwide and from which MIT receives royalties. Another relevant example is that of the energy drink brand 'Gatorade', which was born in a structure similar to 'Spinout', but in this case at the University of North Florida.