A free weekly lunchtime programme for UCL academics looking to explore the commercial potential of their research.
About IO Inspire
IO Inspire is a free two month, weekly, in-person programme designed to equip you with essential skills and insights for realising the commercial potential of your research or business idea.
The sessions, led by UCLB Business Managers featuring guest speakers, will break down the different commercialisation pathways and help you view your research and business ideas through the lens of the ‘market’.
Dates and Format
The Autumn intake will run from 8th October – 3rd December, with sessions being held at the UCLB offices (Floor 3, 90 Tottenham Court Road) each Wednesday from 12.30-2.00pm with the exception of Wednesday 29th October.
Each session covers a different aspect of the commercial journey and features a group activity to help re-enforce key learnings as well as a light lunch session intended to let you network with similarly minded academics. Participants in the programme will have a chance to discuss their business or product ideas, whilst challenging themselves and each other in a friendly environment to identify and explore viable market opportunities for their innovations.
The programme will end with a final pitch session held on Wednesday 3rd December from 4-7pm at a location to be announced at a later date.
Eligibility
While having a business idea in mind would put you in a good position to get the most out of the course, there is no prerequisite to have an idea in mind when you join.
The programme is designed to provide you with tools that you can use to assess the opportunity in any idea you may have in the future. Additionally, there is no obligation to move forward with a commercialisation project at the end of the programme, although we hope you will!
Registration is currently open for UCL academics and research staff only. The programme is not intended for students, though we may consider applications from PhD students recommended by a member of staff who has been accepted onto the programme.
Apply
To join, please click on the registration button and provide the required information. Ensure that you complete the entire form, as we have additional questions to verify your eligibility.
Due to limited spaces, we will review your application before confirming your participation. We aim to get back to you quickly.
Register