UCLB relaunches IO series to grow the next generation of academic entrepreneurs

UCLB is excited to reveal its new series of events and resources under the IO (Ideas to Opportunities) banner to help academics develop the commercial potential of their research.  

IO Converse (formerly Coffee Club) is a regular networking event for academics to hear from others in the UCL ecosystem who have experience of the commercialisation journey. Attendees have the opportunity to informally discuss their ideas with the speakers and with UCLB’s IP and business experts.  

The next IO Converse event will take place 14 May. Hosted by UCLB Senior Business Manager, Physical Sciences and Engineering, Dr Weng Sie Wong, the event will feature Dr. Maria Leiloglou, CEO and Co-founder of EnAcuity: an AI medical imaging company.  

To secure your place for the IO Converse event on 14th May, click here. 

Meanwhile, the IO Inspire (formerly IO Lab) Spring programme has launched. If you are interested in participating in the Autumn programme, please speak to Celine Baron (c.baron@uclb.com). 

IO Inspire is a free lunchtime seminar series for UCL academics looking to understand how to assess the commercial potential of their research. It is delivered at eight weekly sessions presented by UCLB with guest speakers from business/industry, spinouts and the venture capital / investment sector.  

Each module covers a different aspect of the journey from initial idea assessment to successful commercialisation. Attendees can join interactive small group activities designed to re-enforce key commercialisation skills, such as understanding market needs, protecting your IP and refining and pitching your idea to investors. 

“It’s been a really great experience. As someone who comes from a solely academic background, it was really good at introducing me to the basic concepts of moving from the academic world into a spinout or licensing our product. And it also helped me get more comfortable with the linguistics of the business world as well.”

 

The IO programme is available to all UCL academic staff. IO events run regularly throughout the year and you can register to attend by visiting our Events page. Sign up to receive details of upcoming events by emailing io@uclb.com.

Image credit: James Tye