Revolving Valorization Fund (RVF)

Background

In 2022 TU/e Participations has been making substantial revenues from various exits. These revenues are not part of the regular budget and annual results. Due to their volatility and unpredictability, these exit revenues can also not be integrated in the regular budgeting cycle. However, TU/e Participations is likely to generate exit profits again in the future, on a non-regular basis. Moreover, there is a strong need for dedicated resources for projects that can structurally stimulate valorization activities within the TU/e. The Executive Board of the TU/e has therefore commissioned the development of a so-called Revolving Valorization Fund (RVF) for this type of projects, one that serves to re-invest the revenues generated by TU/e Participations in our university’s ecosystem. This RVF will provide resources for these projects in a relatively straightforward and simple manner.

Objective
The main objective of the RVF is to stimulate valorization activities within the TU/e in the form of projects and initiatives that (are likely to) structurally enhance the capability of the TU/e to create societal value from new inventions, designs and other ideas developed within this university. The RVF stimulates the impact of the TU/e and cross-cooperation within the university and with external parties. Applicants need to seek active collaboration with The Gate. The RVF is exclusively targeting projects, ventures and initiatives that cannot be funded otherwise (e.g. STW, NWO, Topsector, SURF, European Union, Innovation Industries, LUMO Labs, DeepTechXL fund). The RVF is, therefore, not intended for regular research, educational, or venture capital applications that were previously rejected elsewhere.

Decision-making
The RVF is managed by a committee of three: Sjoerd Romme (chair), Kim Groeneveld (F&C) and Sonja Vos (TU/e Participations). The decision to allocate resources to a proposed project requires the informed consent of all three committee members.

Practicalities

  • The RVF will provide two rounds per year for applicants to submit, with submission deadlines on 31 May and 30 November. The first round has a submission deadline on 30 November 2023, the second round on 31 May 2024, and so forth. You have to submit a proposal before this deadline by e-mail to: RVF@tue.nl
  • If you want to informally discuss an idea for a proposal, feel free to reach out to Sonja Vos or Sjoerd Romme. 

[1] A student team can only submit a proposal (as applicant or co-applicant) if it is incorporated in a Foundation or a BV.

Key principles

  • Applicants have to submit a proposal that consists of max. 2 pages (A4) describing:
    • the valorization objective and expected impact/results in qualitative and quantitative terms;
    • how this objective connects to the TU/e Strategy 2030 and more specifically how it enhances the capability of the TU/e to create societal value from new inventions, designs and other ideas developed within this university;
    • clear milestones and deliverables in accomplishing this objective;
    • why the proposed project, venture or initiative cannot be funded via other funding mechanisms;
    • the involved management units / departments / institutes / companies / TU/e staff / student teams[1] / etcetera;
    • how The Gate is involved;
    • the budget in fte’s and costs for a period of maximum 2 years.
  • The amount of funding requested can reach up to a maximum of €350.000,-
  • The following financial instruments for this funding can be used:
    • Subsidy/donation
    • (Convertible) loan
    • Equity interest
  • If the project’s budget involves a subsidy or donation and this project possibly leads to future income, the proposal needs to include a proposed agreement about a “fair share” for the TU/e.
  • If the financial resources are granted (by means of a loan or equity interest) to a company (B.V.), then the RVF will facilitate this on prevailing market conditions. If another party also invests in the same company, then RVF will use the same conditions as used for that other party.
  • Within 4 weeks after the agreed end date of the project, the applicant reports to the RVF about the project’s achievements in terms of its initial objective and expected impact as well as any other major (unforeseen) impacts in both qualitative and quantitative terms. Any major deviations between the original objectives/expectations and their realization need to be explained. The final report has up to 3 pages, excluding appendices (e.g. with financial statements, performance overviews, or any other evidence that adequately depicts to what extent the objectives were accomplished).