Science to business
Target audience
In the past the Opportunity Recognition Workshop of iMinds (which was the predecessor of Science to business) has lead to multiple spin-offs at several universities.
It is open for researchers and postdocs from all doctoral schools, however chances are high that participants will have a technical background.
Abstract
The Science to Business (S2B) workshop is a short program for researchers and scientists that teaches you to create value from your own research and technology, and takes you on a journey to discover commercial applications or services. It is the ideal first step to look into the market potential of your research.
Topic
In the workshop the participants will see theoretical concepts such as value proposition, customer segmentation, customer needs and pains, business models, technology push vs market pull, pitching techniques, …
In the hands-on workshop they will learn and apply tools such as the research canvas, the opportunity identification canvas, the value proposition canvas, the business model canvas and various pitching techniques. These will all be applied on their personal research topic.
During the dragon’s den (pitching session in front of investors) they will receive valuable feedback about the next steps that need to be taken before going to the market.
Objectives
During the workshop participants will gather the following skills:
- awareness and ability to exploit the potential of your own research
- understanding the value creation process in a very early stage
- the ability to think about your sector's opportunities from different angles (e.g. customer, marketing, business)
- the ability to apply research know-how to build solutions for problems
- how to recognize business opportunities and exploit them
- obtain the necessary pre-business planning skills
- develop more entrepreneurial skills (presentation skills, customer and user focus).
Tentative programme
Dates:
5 May, 12 May, 19 May, 26 May, 2 June, 9 June, 16 June 2021: each time from 14:30 – 17:00 and 18 June 2021 from 10:00 – 16:00
1 March – 19 April: Subscriptions are open & communication of the program
21 April: participants receive feedback whether they are in or not
3 May: Online preparatory program opens on Ufora
3 May – 18 June: 7 Wednesday afternoon session and assignments in between
18 June: Pitching & dragon’s den with investor jury, if possible in real-life at The Foundry
Venue
Venue (if required): Online + (if possible) The Foundry, Jozef Kluyskensstraat 31, 9000 Gent for the final day
Contact person: jolien.coenraets@ugent.be
Lecturers
- Jolien Coenraets Affiliation: Ghent University – DO! Contact details: jolien.coenraets@ugent.be
Jolien Coenraets has a Master of Science in Computer Science Engineering and has years of experience in coaching and guiding starting entrepreneurs to build their company at Ghent University – DO! and in her former start-ups. She is involved in several teaching activities in workshop settings, lifelong learning and education.
- Steve Stevens Affiliation: Ghent University – DO! Contact details: steve.stevens@ugent.be
Steve Stevens has a Master of Science in Economics and has years of experience in coaching and guiding starting entrepreneurs and existing companies to flourishing businesses. He has facilitated tons of workshops and intensive programs during his time as coach at HoGent Center for Entrepreneurship, at Ghent University – DO! and at his own company ‘Building between bridges’. He is involved in several councils and boards as an expert in entrepreneurship in the Ghent / Flemish region.
- Tom Van Damme Affiliation: Ghent University – DO! Contact details: tom.vandamme@ugent.be
Tom Van Damme has years of business experience in different types of organisations (horeca, construction, social work, arts, …). He was the former Investment Officer at Upgrade Estate. He currently is a business coach at Ghent University - DO! where he coaches over 600 students and researchers each year. His massive network in many industries is a great asset for the participants in Expedition DO!.
Registration
will be announced on following webpage: https://www.durfondernemen.be/en/offerings/science-to-business
Teaching material
Learning track on Ufora including video’s, text, reference materials, handouts of the workshops and sessions
Evaluation criteria (Doctoral Training Programme)
100% attendance