GROW: Unlocking Innovation: Problem-Solution Fit for STEM Ventures (online)
Shannon Collins, Lightwork Enterprise in collaboration with Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre
Wednesday, 03 December 2025, 12.30pm to 2pm
At the heart of transformative science and technology ventures lies the ability to ensure innovations genuinely solve real-world problems. Whether developing new research, launching a startup, or advancing industry solutions, problem-solution fit is the foundation that distinguishes impactful work from mere novelty. Understanding authentic customer needs, and rigorously validating your ideas, makes all the difference in creating meaningful innovation that truly matters.
Event Details
Presented as part of GROW programme, this session helps participants unlock the true potential of their STEM ideas by focusing on evidence-based approaches to entrepreneurship. Through proven frameworks, interactive examples, and a collaborative environment, you’ll learn to identify unmet market needs, strategically refine your concepts, and build innovations that deliver genuine value, not just incremental improvements. Whether you’re refining an ongoing project or pursuing a completely new venture, this workshop will provide actionable insights and tools to improve research, proposals, pitches, and strategic direction.
What You’ll take away
- Use a scientific, evidence-based approach to entrepreneurship to validate and refine innovations.
- Leave equipped with proven frameworks for developing innovations that solve real, validated problems.
- Develop a deep understanding of customer pains and gains, enabling the creation of solutions that meet authentic needs.
- Learn to measure success by how effectively your innovation addresses genuine customer needs, rather than simply outperforming alternatives.
Booking information
Register for your place at the event here.
DATE / TIME
3rd Dec 2025 | 12.30 - 14.00
INTENDED FOR
D.Phil. students, researchers, and anyone interested in turning ideas into scalable startups.
About the speaker
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Shannon Collins is the Co-founder of Lightwork Enterprise and serves as Global Director of Entrepreneurial Learning at GraphIQ, offering extensive expertise in customer discovery, value proposition development, and business model innovation. As a National Science Foundation I-Corps instructor for esteemed institutions like Cornell University, Princeton University, and Arizona State University, Shannon specializes in helping university-affiliated entrepreneurs and teams navigate the complexities of market ecosystem mapping and identifying target customers. Shannon is also collaborating with the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center to support entrepreneurs around the globe in deepening their understanding of value proposition development. As a skilled educator and mentor, Shannon has developed expertise in both group instruction and one-on-one mentoring, consistently delivering comprehensive teaching on Business Model Canvas implementation and customer feedback analysis. Her approach combines analytical thinking with strong communication skills, enabling her to effectively translate complex business concepts into actionable strategies for diverse audiences. Shannon leverages her extensive experience to drive global entrepreneurial learning initiatives, fostering innovation and guiding the next generation of business leaders in navigating the challenges of the modern business landscape. |
The session is delivered in collaboration with the Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
When registering for this course, please check our Terms and Conditions.