Underused Technology, Untapped Impact: How Impact Licensing Unlocks Scale
Impact licensing turns underused technology into measurable outcomes and investable opportunities. In this session, we explore how proven know-how—often sitting idle in labs and corporate portfolios—can be licensed, localized, and scaled for both impact and returns.
Why Proven Tech Is Underused
Many validated solutions never reach the markets that need them most. Typical bottlenecks include IP fragmentation, misaligned incentives, limited distribution, and working-capital gaps. We’ll map these barriers and show pragmatic ways to overcome them
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Christian Polman, Senior Consultant, EthicalFin
Christian is a London-based strategy executive and impact investor with 18+ years’ experience in sustainability, digital transformation, and corporate strategy. He has advised global brands like BMW, Unilever, and P&G, and currently works with EthicalFin, an FCA-regulated impact investing firm. He also advises Purpose Venture Capital and supports natural capital and net-zero initiatives through the Polman family office. United Kingdom, he/him
Cliff Prior CBE, Adviser
Cliff is a civil society leader with deep experience in impact investing, social enterprise, and mental health. He has led organisations including the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment, Big Society Capital, and UnLtd. Cliff now advises on SME development, health, impact, and AI, and serves on the funding committee of City Bridge Fund. Since COVID, he has convened leaders of impact market-building organisations. United Kingdom, he/him
Jennifer Marzullo, Managing Director, Impact Licensing Studio
Jennifer is an experienced impact investor and advisor to social enterprises, with a focus on climate and nature-based solutions. She has worked with organisations including Shaping Impact Group, the Growth Impact Fund, and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation on investment and due diligence. She now leads the Impact Licensing Studio, spun out from the Impact Licensing Initiative, and brings deep expertise in start-up governance and impact management. United Kingdom, she/her
Klara Schneider, Senior Innovation Manager, Eurice
Klara Schneider is a Senior Innovation Manager at Eurice, where she also leads the company’s venture studio INFINIRA and drives the translation of research results into real-world impact. She specializes in innovation management, impact maximization, and IP strategy, supporting EU-funded research and innovation projects across diverse fields. In addition, she plays a key role in the European IP Helpdesk’s capacity-building efforts, advising researchers, innovators, and SMEs throughout Europe on how to strategically manage and protect intellectual property. Germany, she/her
Silvie Daniels, Strategy Development, Impact Licensing Initiative
Silvie is an expert in environmental economics and nature-based innovation, with a focus on translating biodiversity and ecosystem research into real-world impact. She leads network strategy development for the Impact Licensing Initiative, working to build out the network of clearinghouses to unlock underused technologies for sustainable development. Previously, she contributed to the Belgian Biodiversity Alliance and held academic roles exploring the intersection of biodiversity, human well-being, and innovative business models. Belgium, she/her
Aslı Hekimoğlu, Programme Officer, United Nations Technology Bank
Aslı is a seasoned program management professional with over 16 years of experience in international development and expertise spanning STI policy, programme management, and resource mobilization. Currently she coordinates Technology Needs Assessments (TNAs) in Least Developed Countries, helping identify priority sectors for transformative technologies that drive socio-economic development and innovation. Earlier, at the UNDP Regional Office for Europe and CIS, she supported regional development initiatives across 18 countries. Turkey, she/her
Christ’l Joris, President, Gillès Foundation
Christ’l is a social impact leader and business executive. She is president of the Gillès Foundation, which invests in innovative initiatives that strive to enhance the autonomy of vulnerable groups in the Global South, with a focus on entrepreneurship, income generation, and women’s empowerment. Christ’l also leads ETAP Lighting International, a family-owned company specializing in high-quality indoor and emergency lighting. She holds several board positions and is honorary president of Red Cross-Flanders. Belgium, she/her