Sabine Kerssens, a Charlemagne Prize Fellow and accomplished Dutch systems engineer, is studying deep tech startups in collaboration with Florida Polytechnic University.
Sabine Kerssens, a Dutch systems engineer, is pursuing research in collaboration with Florida Polytechnic University about how effective European research institutes are at commercializing advances in knowledge and using them for economic, social, and environmental impact.
Kerssens received the prominent European Charlemagne Prize Fellowship and is working on her research with support from Dr. Rei Sanchez-Arias, assistant chair of Florida Poly’s Department of Data Science and Business Analytics.
“Europe is known for its very high quality of products, and we have incredible products to sell, but we are still new to this world of selling yourself like they do in Silicon Valley,” Kerssens said. “I am very happy with Rei’s extra eyes on the research and his insights on how to find the necessary data and look at the challenges in a different way.”
She said it is beneficial to have the American perspective as she pursues her work.
“It is great to see individuals like Sabine, with impressive training and professional experience, working on problems with tremendous impact,” Sanchez-Arias said. “The applications of data mining methods for understanding and analyzing deep tech innovation and survival is an exciting problem with potential big global outcomes.”
Kerssens is completing her fellowship remotely from Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Her aim is to research and support deep tech startups for a changing world. Deep tech refers to a type of startup business that develops new technology solutions based on engineering innovations or scientific advances and discoveries.
She holds a master’s degree in engineering and policy analysis from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands, specializing in innovation technology from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland (ETH Zurich)..
The Charlemagne Prize Fellowship is awarded to a select few Ph.D. candidates, early career researchers, professionals, and career researchers. Each receives a €25,000 ($26,782) grant to support their research endeavor.
“We are delighted to establish a lasting relationship with Florida Poly,” said Dr. Thomas Prefi, chairman of the Charlemagne Prize Academy. “The essence of the Charlemagne Prize Academy is to evolve a new generation of young elite capable of shaping the prosperous future of Europe with cutting-edge perspectives.”
Dr. Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Poly, is a member of the academy’s advisory committee.
“The Charlemagne Prize Fellowship recognizes top European scholars and professionals who are poised to lead the rapid development of high-tech innovations to continue moving society forward,” he said. “We are privileged to enjoy a strong relationship with the Charlemagne Prize Academy, and I am excited to see the outstanding work we’ll do together.”
Nurturing relationships such as those between Florida Poly and the Charlemagne Prize Academy will build a strong pathway for international excellence in engineering and innovation, Florida Poly officials said.
“Talent development is an anchor of Florida Poly’s mission,” said Mustapha Achoubane, the University’s senior advisor to the president for international relations. “Nurturing an environment of academic excellence where curiosity, creative thinking, and scientific innovation are encouraged will drive the new reality of future generations.”
Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
