The Innovation Chair at University of Saint-Joseph organized a workshop entitled "Le Point sur l'Innovation" on Saturday October 22, 2011 at the Campus of Innovation & Sport (CIS), near Berytech Technology & Health. Dr. Rouhana, Director of Berytech Technological Pole, was a guest speaker to present Berytech success stories in front of around 50 researchers and scientists from USJ.

The workshop started with an introduction by Professor George Aoun, Vice-Rector to Research at USJ. He stressed on "the difference between Invention as an indivual act and Innovation as a more social and impactful act that implies an organizational process combined with a "zest" of entrepreneurship".

"The role of the "Innovation Chair" at USJ is bridging the gap between the university and the market, facilitating the commercial exploitation of research, and implementing "win-win" financial schemes", explained Joseph Mezher, in charge of the Chair. He also urged the research body of USJ to have the confidence in the Chair, which guarantees confidentiality of the transactions. He also exposed 2 application models through the Chair, one example being a spin-off involving a partnership between USJ, Taanayel & Arc-En-Ciel (NGO) for developping pesticides with an EU-grant to fund the innovative process.

Drs. Nicolas Louka and Richard Maroun, both researchers at the Faculty of Sciences, explained key elements to succeed in an innovation, as well as a systemic approach to innovation through insightful excercises and learning-styles survey, as innovation and creativity has a lot to do with the acquisition of new knowledge and insights.

Ms. Rita Yazigi developped the Intellectual Property issues and landscape, and Dr. Rouhana ended the day by presenting Berytech and its various innovation programs, and exposed 10 success stories of entrepreneurs that had innovative and awards-winning companies that are part of the eco-system of Berytech, and enticed the audience to innovate and to "just do it".