A free weekly lunchtime programme for UCL academics looking to explore the commercial potential of their research.
About
IO Inspire is a free, weekly lunchtime programme for UCL academics looking to explore the commercial potential of their research through a series of sessions lasting around an hour and a half each including lunch. The programme is hosted by UCLB.
Although there is a focus on assessing suitability of ideas and technologies for spinout creation, the programme also introduces other pathways for commercial impact such as licensing.
Dates and Format
The Spring intake will run from 30 April – 25 June, usually on Wednesdays from 12.30-14.00. Each week will cover a different aspect of the journey from innovation assessment to commercialisation. The sessions, led mainly by UCLB Business Managers, offer small group or paired activities which are designed to help re-enforce the key learnings.
Participants in the programme will have a chance to discuss their business or product ideas, including with guest MBA candidates and alumni, whilst challenging themselves and each other in a friendly environment to identify and explore viable market opportunities for their innovations.
Eligibility
The content is targeted at academics who have little to no commercialisation experience. Whilst already having a business idea related to your research 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. We aim 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, however, we may consider applications from PhD students that would like to join a member of research staff already accepted onto the programme where the aim is for the student to support the staff member in the commercialisation of UCL research.