Course content:
Innovation
Why is it essential for technology and knowledge-based societies and companies to innovate? We will have a closer look at the principle of value and innovation chains from research to innovation. We would like to discuss with you the "open innovation" concept and introduce you to innovation management. We would like to show you the necessary steps from the idea via invention, validation (e.g., proof of concept/technology), to application readiness.
Intellectual property
How can I actually protect my ideas from simply being picked up and used by someone else after my own elaborate developments, i.e., how can I develop my own unique selling points for my business? What are patents all about, and are they really still up to date? How can business models be built with open-source developments instead?
Business Development
What does it take to develop an innovative idea into a marketable application (product or service)? You will get an impression of the main technology transfer pathways, including licensing, co-operation, contract research, and company formation. We will discuss strategies for the exploitation or the marketing of your innovation. You will learn how to draft a business concept (both the boring as well as the exciting way). You will consider critical factors of founding your own company, market analysis, and further business development. And just as important: you are not alone. You will get some hints on who can support and promote you externally and how the technology transfer office could support you.
Optional: Individual one-on-one meetings
On top, we offer confidential conversations in a 1:1 setting on your individual ideas and inventions at the end of the course.
Target group:
The course is in particular open to all open-minded PhD candidates and PostDocs who could imagine pursuing their career outside science. Language will be English or German, depending on the composition of the group.
Pre-requisites:
Open-mindedness, common sense.
More information:
via email to eberhard.sauter@awi.de and elimar.precht@awi.de
Our courses are generally free of charge for all participants. However, they do have a price and can cost SEA / the AWI as much as 150 € per day per student. Please take this into account when cancelling your place at the last minute. Please, always send cancellations to sea.courses@awi.de
