Ghent University valorisation cluster on tomographical hardware and software solutions
EnterIn 2007, Ghent University founded the Hybrid Computed Tomography
valorization cluster (or HyCT) under the umbrella of the Flemish Industrial Research Fund (IOF). Springing from two core facilities UGCT (X-ray imaging in physical science) and MEDISIP (CT, PET and SPECT hardware in life sciences), the current members consist of 12 Ghent University research teams.
Five are working on tomographic imaging hardware (1D to 4D), signal and image processing for material sciences and life sciences in the broad sense. Seven supporting groups range from electronics over clinical departments to veterinary specialists.
The goal of HyCT is to push technology to the market, pro-actively look to pull-in maturing technologies, and start co-creation partnerships with industry. Finally, over its life span, 8 spin-off companies have been launched from HyCT: Inside Matters, XRE, FEOPS, SONAURA, EPILOG, MOLECUBES, IMAGEENS and RELF
Technology transfer from within academia can be cumbersome and tedious due to the decentralized nature and often multiple layers and access points to pass. A decentralized and technology focused cluster led by a single point of contact can facilitate thus. Both internal collaboration on shared technology platforms as well bilateral and multilateral collaborations with external partners benefit from a clear and well-defined focus. For over 10 years now, Ghent University has held this unique decentralized approach where (currently 23) thematic expert clusters are supported by a centralized techtransfer office. For all work and technology related to 1D to 4D tomographic imaging and devices, be it medical or with applications in physical sciences, HyCT has been this access point grouping all avalaible expertise and technology in a one-stop shop.
HyCT’s member groups work independently on their own research tracks. These range from CT detector technology over clinical or preclinical scanner hardware. From signal processing to data valisualization, and even medical devices working on EEG and ECG. The moment a technology reaches a TRL where external applications become relevant we scout for partners, potential licensees or build start-up teams from within the consortium. Through collaborative projects with both industry and SOC’s and academia, as well as by being present in relevant international academia/industry boards we also offer our expertise through subcontracting. Companies or universities usually get in contact with the main business developer. Subsequently a steering committee, existing of senior HyCT PI’s and TTO experts, prioritizes projects in view of valorization output before assigning to the right team of researchers and necessary resources to it.
HyCT facilitates both SME’s and larger corporations solving concrete problems in tomographic applications in general. This can range from performing scans on dedicated scanners only available at our core facilities, co-creating systems and medical devices, to launching completely new systems by creating new spin-off companies. With the support of the Flemish industrial research fund, we also have access to dedicated incubation pre-seed) funding
that can help partners take the next step. We would like to point at our portfolio page to give an overview of a few of the past and current projects.
