This course will guide you through the basic processes of technology transfer – from receiving and evaluating an invention disclosure to pitching for investment, and negotiating deals. You will learn from experienced technology transfer professionals
This three-day online course is for people relatively new to technology and knowledge transfer with less than 2 years’ experience. The course is developed for professionals, from both public and private institutions, entrepreneurs and consultants. Designed for those working within a university TTO / KTO,linked directly or indirectly to technology transfer activities and wishing to learn more about knowledge and technology transfer. This is a great way to develop a strong foundation of knowledge if you wish to advance your career. Many TTO/KTO professionals have benefited from this powerful professional development launch pad.
Learning Objectives
- A broad overview of the fields covered by Knowledge Transfer Officers and offices;
- Cover the basic output of a KTO / TTO;
- Gain insights into patenting and patent evaluation, and the licensing process;
- Develop the rudimentary tools for dealing with inventions, inventors, licensees, founders and potential cooperation partners;
- Increase knowledge on setting up a spin-off company, including the broad financing possibilities;
- Tips and tricks on negotiation a successful deal (with a collaboration partner, a spin off or a licensee)
Course Topics
- Evaluation of exploitation strategy and options
- Patenting: ‘what you should know’
- Introduction to licensing
- Basics of spin-off creation and financing
- Collaboration and negotiation strategies
- Programme
- Speakers
Programme
-
Wed 17 February 2021
-
09:00 - 09:45 Course introduction
-
09:45 - 10:45 Finding and evaluating technology opportunities and exploitation strategies
Very few of the disclosures we receive are likely to form the basis of a good patent – fewer still (maybe 1 in 10) have any commercial potential. Moreover, we simply do not have the time to simultaneously manage too many projects. How then should we: scout, screen, evaluate, and rank the disclosures and opportunities we receive? What exploitation scenario and strategy are most suitable? How should we reject the ones that we decide not to pursue?
-
10:45 - 11:00 Break
-
10:45 - 12:00 Break
-
11:00 - 11:45 Patenting: what you should know
An introduction to the what and when of patenting academic findings and the key decision points along the way.
-
12:00 - 12:45 Introduction to Licensing
This session offers a general introduction to the what, why and how of licensing and addresses some of the common matters you need to take into consideration when negotiating a licensing deal.
-
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
-
14:00 - 15:00 Licensing exercise: online group work
This session offers a general introduction to the what, why and how of licensing and addresses some of the common matters you need to take into consideration when negotiating a licensing deal.
-
15:00 - 16:00 Debriefing: Licensing exercise
-
-
Thu 18 February 2021
-
09:00 - 09:45 Introduction to academic spin-offs
This session will provide a basic overview of the different steps needed to create an academic spin-out covering topics such as: bringing the right team together, valuing the technology, and writing a business plan.
-
09:45 - 10:00 Break
-
10:00 - 10:45 Basics of spin-off financing
This session will focus in on early stage financing of academic spin-offs covering business model development, financing stages, equity, valuation and attached rights.
-
10:45 - 11:00 Break
-
11:00 - 11:45 Real life spin-off stories: KU Leuven
Starting a business from an academic finding from the KTO perspective: the dos and don’ts for a KTO in the spin-out process.
-
11:45 - 13:00 Spin-off case study in online groups
Defining an acceptable and fair proposal for all involved: direct and indirect, internally and with partners, including distribution between university, inventors and investors.
-
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
-
14:00 - 14:45 Technology transfer through research collaborations
More than 95% of the knowledge transfer from academia to industry takes place in your day-to-day research collaborations. In this exercise, learn more about the expectations of industry and academia when setting up a research collaboration and about the expectations of industry.
-
14:45 - 15:30 Case study debriefing: Academic Spin-off
-
15:30 - 16:00 Q & A
-
-
Fri 19 February 2021
-
09:00 - 09:15 Introduction to Negotiation Skills
-
09:15 - 09:45 Understanding negotiation
What works and what doesn’t? How professional negotiators operate.
-
09:45 - 10:00 Break
-
10:00 - 10:45 Practical tips for negotiators
In this session we present a range of tips and tools for negotiators including: asking questions, using “the balcony”, summarising/checking understanding often and how your ‘plan B’ (BATNA) gives you power.
-
10:45 - 11:00 Break
-
11:00 - 12:00 Negotiation role-play
Plan, meet, negotiate, agree and deliver feedback
-
12:30 - 12:45 Summary of key learning points
Questions, evaluation, take-away materials
-
12:45 - 13:00 Course wrap up
-
