Scientific Entrepreneurship
This course is for scientists, medics and engineers who are thinking about translating their research into commercial innovation now or in the future; be it in a start-up or an industry collaboration. It introduces the practicalities and mindset needed to be successful in developing their innovation efforts and is open to postgraduates, postdocs and academics/PIs. The course is led by Dr. Alan Roth, a successful academic scientist and entrepreneur with experience of executive leadership, industrial R&D and finance who is a Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence at Oxford.
INTENDED FOR
PGRs, academics/PIs and Research Staff
COURSE DETAILS
Success in a start-up or an industry collaboration is significantly enhanced with an understanding of key entrepreneurial characteristics and competencies.
This weekly, term-long course provides potential science/medicine/engineering (including social scientists and humanities) entrepreneurs with the knowledge to help succeed in an entrepreneurial opportunity.
Topics covered include:
- How creativity, opportunity and feasibility are best evaluated.
- Strategies for innovation.
- Operational success in an emerging venture.
- Team building.
- Financial aspects.
At the end of the course students will have skills and confidence to evaluate starting a science-based business, in addition to becoming more enterprising in how they approach their roles should they decide to work in start-up organisations.
The course will consist of lectures accompanied by practical casework and readings.
This course starts in Week 1 in October, then takes place every Thursday 2 -4.30pm until Week 9.
Those who successfully complete this course would be eligible to join advanced courses in Hilary and Trinity Terms.
TESTIMONIALS FROM PREVIOUS PARTICIPANTS:
"It has been a very exciting process. I have learned a lot during the course." – Biology Postdoc.
"The classes are always engaging, and I have really enjoyed this term’s mix of materials (lectures, case studies and simulations)." - Biochemistry DPhil.
"I cannot recommend the course highly enough. Over time I increasing found confidence in developing business relevant skills and enjoyed meeting peers across divisions and from different disciplines." - Medical Sciences Postdoc.
"Fundamental concepts of being an entrepreneur, the barriers to being successful and how to overcome them." – Computer Science Faculty.
"The materials are high quality and logically structured. Being backed up by Harvard Business School gives it a sense of legitimacy that other training courses do not have. The case studies are great at demonstrating the concepts in a real-world context." – Medical Sciences DPhil.
"A wide ranging introduction to entrepreneurship. Dr Roth made the points between science and business very clear." – Physics Postdoc.
"I think the course is structured very well, it is not too time consuming, however there is enough content each week such that you actually learn something." – Materials DPhil.
"It was a real pleasure attending this unique and valuable course." - Medical Sciences Faculty.
"Tailored to the interface of R&D and commerce providing the basic necessary tools for a science-based start-up." - Engineering Science DPhil.
OBJECTIVES
By the end of these sessions students will have:
- Explored how the business mindset can differ from that of scientists.
- Understood the routes to commercialisation and market entry.
- Examined successful business strategy development.
- Considered what is required for good organisation and operational processes.
- Understood the basics of entrepreneurial finance.
- An understanding of the pros and cons for different funding mechanisms.
COURSE LEADER
DATE/TIME AND BOOKING INFORMATION
Information about the next scheduled course, and how to apply for a place, is on our course programme page.
RDF SKILLS
A2, A3, B1, B2, B3, C1, D1, D3
The Researcher Development Framework (RDF) provides a framework for planning and supporting the personal, professional and career development of graduate students and research staff.