The UvA Ventures Holding has launched the Social Sciences & Humanities (SSH) Impact Fund. This new fund aims to capitalize on SSH research by supporting the development of spin-offs that address societal challenges. The initiative is a response to the need for practical applications of SSH research, identified through discussions with university researchers
The SSH Impact Fund will support University of Amsterdam researchers in the SSH fields to establish companies that have a positive societal impact, while also seeking to achieve financial returns. Investments will target two main areas: SSH Ventures, companies based on Social Science and Humanities research from the University, and Social Ventures, companies with social or environmental missions that may come from any university faculty.
This fund is a key component of the University of Amsterdam’s Pathway to Impact, a joint effort of the UvA’s Knowledge Transfer Office – Innovation Exchange Amsterdam (IXA) – and UvA Ventures Holding. The pathway outlines the process for researchers to transition from research to commercial spin-offs or financially sustainable social ventures, with UvA Ventures Holding potentially providing funding after initial IXA-UvA support. For more information about this SSH concept Fund, please refer to the IXA website.
UvA Ventures Holding specializes in early-stage investment in academic spin-off companies from the University of Amsterdam, working to commercialize academic knowledge. More information can be found on the UvA Ventures Holding’s website.
IXA is the Knowledge Transfer Office of the University of Amsterdam, offering researchers the expertise of grant advisers, business and impact developers and legal experts to help determine a valorisation/ impact strategy. IXA assists in setting up collaborations with third parties and/or starting new (social) ventures, while managing intellectual property and other legal and financial support. Additional details are available on the IXA website.