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24 Apr
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Internationalization for MedTech and BioTech start-ups

Internationalization
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General info

Tuesday 24 April 2018

13:00 Welcome with sandwiches 
14:00 Introduction
14:10 Pitch by a participating company 
14:20 Conceptual framework  
15:40 Break  
16:00 Pitch by a participating company 
16:10 Case(s)  
16:40 Q&A  
17:15 Wrap-up  
17:30 End

Organized by Leuven MindGate with support from Provincie Vlaams-Brabant

Free

Conditions: Attention! The number of participants will be limited. Preference will be given to those who intend to follow the entire series. It is always possible to send a colleague substitute. Participation will be confirmed following a telephone interview with Leuven MindGate. Dit programma is geschikt voor:

  • Young Medtech and BioTech companies that are beginning or going to begin projects within the year.

The target audience is not:

  • Consultants, interim managers, trainers, freelancers, or investors

If you are interested in only a few of the sessions, or if more than one colleague from the same organization wishes to attend, please contact us directly via events@leuvenmindgate.be

REGISTRATION: Please sign in no less than 5 days before the session(s) you would like to attend via the online registration page or via events@leuvenmindgate.be

Register now
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Flanders is exceptionally strong in the Life Sciences sector. This position can be further strengthened through internationalization.

The seminar series "Internationalization for Medtech and BioTech Start Ups" is designed to give hightech and knowledge-based start-ups, scale-ups, and KMOs the necessary tools to plan and implement a successful internationalization strategy.

The course comprises 8 sessions (each a half day long) in which participants can connect with each other. Speakers and case studies will guide them as they share their experiences.

8 INTERACTIVE SESSIONS TO TAKE PART IN 

Session 1: Business Strategies for Internationalization

Thursday 29 March 2018 – Innovatie- en Incubatiecentrum, Leuven

  • What are the various options, pros and cons, dos and don'ts, and impacts for your organization. In this session particular attention will be paid to:
  • Customer expansion and follow-up from Flanders; engaging agents, resellers, and distributors, international branch network expansion; joint ventures with international and/or local partner(s).

Cases: Jurgen Jacobs, CEO Qaelum and Vanessa Vankerckhoven, CEO Novosanis
Speakers: Wim Pappaert, Adviseur Exportvaardigheden FIT and Luc Kindt, CEO LK Investment

 

Session 2: Strategic Partnerships, Important Legal Aspects, and Contract Fundamentals

Tuesday 24 April 2018 – Technologiepark, Zwijnaarde (Gent)

  • Specific elements concerning export requirements, such as dual use restrictions. 

Case: Dirk Loeckx, CSO Epihunter and Annie Van Broekhoven, AmatsiQBiologicals
Speaker: Anne Roucourt, Legal Partner Baker Tilley and Jérôme Van Biervliet, Head of Business Development, VIB

 

Session 3: Regulation Frameworks and Strategies Regarding International Product Launching

Wednesday 30 May 2018 – Leuven

  • Regulatory frameworks for medical devices in the EU and the differences with the US and Canada.
  • Also to be discussed: reimbursement, data protection and privacy with regard to medical devices, biologics, advanced therapies, and more...

Case: Vanessa Vankerckhoven, CEO Novosanis
Speakers: Ruth Beckers, Founder Qualix and Dirk Loeckx, CSO Epihunter

 

Session 4: Focus on Internationalization in the United States

Monday 11 June 2018 – Provinciehuis Vlaams Brabant, Leuven

NB: Sessions 4 & 5 will be combined into one longer session, namely from 12h00 to 18h00

  • How to overcome "not invented here" syndrome.
  • Which cultural differences/business approach differences should be taken into account, especially as a hightech-focused company?
  • Which internationalization options are best for a hightech company in the US?
  • Specific requirements respecting HRM and business structure?

Cases: Thrombogenics (tbc) and Icometrix 
Speakers: Jan Wauters, Technologie Attaché FIT and Luc Kindt, CEO LK Investment

 

Session 5: Focus on Internationalization in Asia

Monday 11 June 2018 – Provinciehuis Vlaams Brabant, Leuven

NB: Sessions 4 & 5 will be combined into one longer session, namely from 12h00 to 18h00

  • Which cultural differences/business approach differences should be taken into account, especially as a hightech-focused company?
  • Which internationalization options are best for a hightech company in Asia?
  • Specific requirements respecting HRM and business structure?

Case: Bob Koninckx, CEO eSATURNUS
Speakers: Ben Kloeck, Technologie Attaché FIT and  Luc Kindt, CEO LK Investment

 

Session 6: Focus on Internationalization in Europe

18 September 2018 - Corda Campus Hasselt 

  • On which criteria do you base geographic priotizing?
  • How to overcome "not invented here" syndrome.
  • Which cultural differences/business approach differences should be taken into account, especially as a hightech-focused company?
  • What internationalization strategies are best for a hightech company in Europe?

Cases: Shahram Sharif, Founder & CEO LindaCare and Alexander Van Damme, Bedal
Speakers: Luc Kindt, CEO LK Investment and Katleen Vandersmissen, LRM

Session 7: How Do You Finance Internationalization?

October 2018

  • Specific support measures and organizations in Flanders, shareholder and investor roles, international partnerships and joint ventures.
  • Speeddating with investors 
        Opportunities to meet investors and ask them specific questions

Cases: tbc
Speaker: tbc

Session 8: Feedback session

November 2018 – Innovatie- en Incubatiecentrum, Leuven

  • Participants can pitch and discuss their internationalization plans with experts in an informal setting. A chance to test your ideas and plans for the first time with an expert.