Ideas to Opportunities
Growing the next generation of academic entrepreneurs
UCLB has developed a series of events and resources under the IO (Ideas to Opportunities) banner to help academics develop the commercial potential of their research. The IO programme supports academics from their first steps in exploring the value of their Intellectual Property, through to providing training, resources and networking opportunities as they progress along their UCLB-supported journeys towards a successful spinout or licence.
IO Inspire is a free seminar series for UCL academics looking to understand how to assess the commercial potential of their research. It is delivered at 8 weekly lunchtime sessions presented by UCLB with guest speakers from industry and venture investment. Each module covers a different aspect of the journey from idea assessment to commercialisation, including small group activities designed to re-enforce skills such as understanding market needs to refining and pitching your idea.
“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.”
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. These events offer a safe environment for academics at any stage of their commercialisation journey to be inspired or inspire others to translate their research into real world commercial impact.
How to access the IO programme
The IO programme is available to all UCL academic staff.
IO Converse events run regularly throughout the year and you can register to attend by visiting our Events page.
find out about forthcoming UCLB EVENTS here
The IO Inspire seminar series runs twice a year in the spring and autumn terms.
Look out for posters and email announcements advertising the next series or send an email to io@uclb.com to be added to our mailing list and be the first to hear of all upcoming IO events.