Turning innovation into business impact

With a PhD in Polymer Chemistry and an MBA under my belt, I’ve always been driven by a desire to push innovation forward. I started my career at Huntsman, where I led R&D teams focused on cutting-edge materials. Today, I’m a Portfolio Manager at IMAC, where I guide Power-to-X technology development and advanced components for sustainable fuels and chemicals.

My role blends technology with strategy. I work to anticipate market needs, translate research into industrial value, and lead collaborations that accelerate technology adoption. But as the projects I led became more complex, and the expectations from stakeholders more diverse, I realised I needed something more: a deeper understanding of business development.

That’s why I joined Vlerick’s New Business Development  programme.

New perspectives, real tools

I was looking for more than just theory. I wanted practical insights I could apply immediately. The programme delivered that and more. It opened my eyes to new ways of thinking about strategy, value creation and partnerships. The mix of academic input and real-world cases struck a great balance, and the conversations with peers from different industries sparked fresh ideas.

The experience helped me reframe how I position technology projects, not just in terms of technical excellence, but in terms of market relevance and business potential. It gave me more confidence to engage with internal and external stakeholders, and to build bridges between R&D and commercial teams.

From insight to impact

Since completing the programme, I’ve shifted how I approach my work. I now integrate business thinking earlier in the development process and shape proposals with a clearer focus on outcomes. My ambitions have grown too, I’m thinking bigger, beyond products, towards systems and ecosystems.

The return on investment? For me, it’s the ability to turn ideas into impact, faster, and with greater alignment between innovation and value. The tools and mindset I gained are now part of how I lead.

If you’re looking to strengthen the link between technology and business, and want to grow your influence in both spaces, the New Business Development  programme is a powerful step forward.

Yami Chuang, Product Manager at IMEC

Participant New Business Development