In the framework of the EBSOMED project, ANIMA Investment Network's affiliate, the International Network for Small and Medium Enterprises (INSME) welcomed two members of the team of the UCAS (University College of Applied Sciences) Technology Incubator – UCASTI from the 18th to the 22nd of November at its premises in Rome. They took part in a Technical Assistance Mission / BSO Manager Exchange, a peer learning programme dedicated to the exchange of knowledge and best practices that could support them in establishing a new innovation centre in Gaza, Palestine.

During this five-day programme Hani Abuamer, Marketing & Networking Specialist and Tariq Thabet, Programs Manager at UCASTI had the chance to share their experience with the experts involved in this activity who explored a diversity of issues related to the incubation process.

The 2 participants had a fruitful discussion with managers from the t2i (an INSME Member) certified incubator during which they analysed how to manage an incubator, the criteria to select the start-ups to be incubated and the measures adopted to support them. Furthermore, two sessions dedicated to intellectual property rights with particular attention to the technology transfer management have been delivered by two experts from De Tullio & Partners, an another INSME Member. They shared insights on how to protect intellectual property and gave practical advice on how to fill a patent application. During the site visit to the ContaminAction Hub the UCASTI team observed a very successful model of a public-private partnership whose projects and initiatives take into particular account their social impact.