Biography
EIC Programme Manager for Cleantech
Walter Eevers is a Belgian scientist by training, having studied chemistry at the University of Antwerp. After finalising his PhD in polymer chemistry, he moved into the private sector in the global materials company Nitto, where he spent nearly twenty years in different roles of research and innovation management. To complement his scientific background with business acumen, he completed an MBA at the University of Hasselt – a step that sharpened his understanding of the logic and language that go hand in hand with innovation. Those years took him far afield, with extended periods in Japan and Switzerland, where he set up a dedicated research centre for development of biobased solutions for Medtech applications.
After this experience in the private sector, Walter joined VITO, a research and technology organisation focused on sustainable technology development at the intersection of commercial and fundamental research. There he led research and valorisation activities and became deeply involved in the venturing world – building teams and spinning out companies where he saw the need to align technology, market access and, above all, the right people to make it happen.
Throughout his career Walter has also served as board member and adviser in several organisations and companies but always with an eye on innovation, sustainability and growing competitivity. Additionally, he served as a professor for Polymer chemistry at the University of Antwerp, as he regards passing on experience to the next generations an important responsibility for an experienced professional.
His goal as an EIC Programme Manager is to help closing the gap between science and innovation – to help turn breakthrough research into real-world impact. His aim is to leverage his experience, skills and network to support European excellence and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness on the global stage.