BIST Catalysers is a training programme designed to foster an entrepreneurial spirit and an innovation-oriented mindset across the BIST Community. Through specialised training and direct exposure to innovation ecosystems, participants develop the knowledge, skills and networks needed to translate frontier research into societal and economic impact.
The programme brings together a small multidisciplinary cohort of PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, senior researchers and staff from across the BIST Community centres, who are expected to become catalysts for innovation within their institutions and the wider research ecosystem. Beyond the core cohort, BIST Catalysers also offers selected training sessions, round tables and networking activities open to the entire BIST Community, promoting cross-disciplinary learning, collaboration and the exchange of experiences.
Second edition (2026-2027)
Building on the success of the first edition, BIST is launching the second edition of the BIST Catalysers programme under the leadership of the BIST Innovation Commission and with the support of the BIST Institutional Board member, the Banc Sabadell Foundation.
The programme will run from October 2026 to June 2027. It begins with the intensive BIST–ESADE From Science to Business course, a long-standing programme that has introduced generations of researchers across the BIST Community to the fundamentals of innovation and entrepreneurship.
With the support of:
First edition (2025-2026)
The first edition of BIST Catalysers took place during the 2025–2026 academic year and brought together 17 fellows from across the BIST Community. Throughout the programme, participants explored innovation and entrepreneurship through specialised training, interactions with experts and entrepreneurs, and a study visit to leading innovation organisations in Flanders, including VIB and imec.
The experience laid the foundations for a growing community of BIST Catalysers committed to strengthening the innovation culture across the BIST Community centres.
Explore the first edition:
– The new BIST Catalysers programme kicks off
– Celebrating the first cohort of the BIST Catalysers programme
You can also follow #BISTCatalysers on LinkedIn to discover highlights and activities from the first edition.
