What is SPIN: Explore?
SPIN: Explore is a 10-hour online training course, which aims to inspire and empower researchers and scientists, by equipping them with foundational business skills and stimulating their interest in the journey from lab to market.
What will you learn?
Module 1. Unlocking Innovation: A Beginner’s Guide
Begin your SPIN journey by delving into the foundations of entrepreneurship, exploring why it is vital for researchers and how an entrepreneurial mindset can unlock new opportunities. Discover the key traits of successful entrepreneurs, assess your strengths and participate in interactive exercises and discussions to identify professional growth areas.
- Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2024
- Time: 14:00 - 16:00 CET
Module 2. Make your Research Come Alive
Understand the commercial value of your research and the benefits of bringing it to market, gaining a clear overview of the commercialisation process for Deep Tech innovations and its various pathways. Dive into the key success factors for bringing technologies from lab to market, including the importance of team formation, market focus and knowing your target audience.
- Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
- Time: 14:00 - 16:00 CET
Module 3. Know your (IP) Rights
Learn about Intellectual Property (IP) and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), answering fundamental questions such as:
- What IP protection can I use (e.g. trademarks, patents etc.) to protect my invention?
- What are the first steps to take in the journey for IP protection?
- How much do different IP titles cost?
- What tools exist to perform IP searches?
Then, dive into the practical aspects of Deep Tech Commercialisation, from an IPR strategy perspective, through case studies of successful technology transfer journeys. You will explore different approaches, from licensing to the creation of spin-off companies, gaining insights into the complete journey from idea to market.
- Date: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
- Time: 14:00 - 16:00 CET
Module 4. Tell your Story: Effective Communication for Scientists
Master the art of storytelling to effectively communicate your research to non-scientific audiences. Learn how to craft a compelling narrative that makes complex scientific concepts accessible and relatable, while also connecting with potential users or beneficiaries of your invention. Dive into the key elements of a good story and explore techniques for simplifying complex ideas, putting your knowledge to the test with a translation challenge.
- Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
- Time: 14:00 - 16:00 CET
Module 5. Ready to Rise?
Learn about the KTH Innovation Readiness Level model, a powerful framework used by over 2,000 organisations worldwide to guide structured innovation development. Through real-world examples, observe how fellow researchers have successfully turned their ideas into commercial ventures, and receive valuable tips on balancing a dual career in research and business.
- Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
- Time: 14:00 - 16:00 CET
Speakers
Asier Rufino, CEO at Tecnalia Ventures
Asier is the Founder and CEO of Tecnalia Ventures, the oldest industrial Deep Tech venture builder in Europe. Over the past 11 years in this role, he has participated in the creation of over 20 spin-offs raising +120MM€ in funding, with a valuation of portfolio companies in excess of 300M€. Earlier in his career he worked to foster technological innovation at Accenture (IRL), BNP Paribas (FR), Gilead (UK), The Parthenon Group-EY (UK) and Dubai Health Authority (UAE). He is Chairman in H2SITE and NED in 8 deep tech spin-offs; a Professor at Deusto Business School and Instituto de Empresa; an EIC Accelerator Jury member; a Board member of the TTO Circle (G-30 of European Tech Transfer Offices), leading the deep tech entrepreneurship Working Group; a BA Investor and cofounder of Gymchess. He is a regular speaker in conferences and part of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Universities lead “Knowledge Transfer Expert Group”. Asier holds an MBA from London Business School / Sloan MIT-Harvard Business School, a B.A. at Basque Country University, Spain, and Erasmus at ESC Reims, France.
Ekaterina Demiankova, Lecturer at TalTech
Ekaterina is an Entrepreneurship Lecturer and Researcher at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), where she has worked for the past 5 years. She is deeply engaged in exploring the dynamics of entrepreneurship ecosystems and sustainable entrepreneurship. Her academic journey is complemented by 7 years of being an entrepreneur, diverse practical experience, and a passion for fostering entrepreneurial mindsets. She is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and empowering them with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Michele Dubbini, Senior IP Expert at European IP Helpdesk
Michele has worked with Intellectual Property within the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects since 2014, year in which he joined EURICE GmbH as IP & Innovation Advisor. At EURICE, he is responsible for the creation, negotiation, amendment and revision of Consortium Agreements for multinational research consortia of which EURICE is part of. Within the framework of the European IP Helpdesk, he is part of the training team. In the last four years he has created and adapted various training modules like “Introduction to IP”, “IP in EU-funded projects”, “IP Toolkit for SMEs”, which have been used to train a large number of researchers and SMEs all around Europe, through webinars and live events. He holds a a B.A. in International Law from the Catholic University of Milan, Italy, and an M.A. in Intellectual Property Law from the University of Alicante, Spain.
Ivana Vuka, Senior IP & Innovation Advisor at European IP Helpdesk
Ivana is a Senior Innovation Manager at RISE, where she coordinates European IP Helpdesk activities for Widening countries. As the former head of the Technology Transfer Office at the University of Split, she has managed numerous national and EU-funded projects. With almost a decade of experience in technology transfer and intellectual property (IP) management, she has extensive experience in providing training on innovation, IP and commercialisation. Ivana holds a Master's Degree in Marine Biology and Ecology, and a PhD in Neuroscience.
Eva Halén, Business Development Coach at KTH Innovation
Eva is a Business Development Coach at KTH Innovation. A KTH Alumni in Mechanical Engineering, with a specialization in Industrial Management, her long industrial experience includes working with consumer products, medical devices, and biotechnology. For more than two decades, she has held management positions, including being CEO for medium-size Swedish subsidiaries of global brands such as Electrolux, Etac and Audika (part of the Demant Group). Before joining KTH Innovation, she was CEO of the startup Ebba Biotech. Since 2020, she acts as Industrialization Advisor on the board of the Chalmers scale-up Mimbly. Eva likes to combine long-term strategy with short-term action and result. Strongly valuing both results and relationships, she believes that a strong team is essential for achieving success.
What will you gain?
- Impact: Understand the importance of entrepreneurship and explore how the pathway from invention to market application can unlock opportunities to increase your research impact.
- Skills: Develop your transferable skills, such as effective scientific storytelling and communication, by learning from experienced innovators and entrepreneurs.
- Network: Connect with fellow researchers from across Europe and expand your international network.
- Certification: Gain a certificate validated by EIT Digital at the end of the course.
Who should apply?
Researchers and scientists at any career stage, who are working on Deep Tech innovations.
No prior entrepreneurial knowledge is required to join the course.
Timeline
October 18, 2024 | October 22, 2024 | November 19, 2024 |
Applications close* | Course starts | Course ends |
*EIT Digital reviews applications on a rolling basis.
Cost
SPIN: Explore welcomes researchers and scientists at any career stage. No fee is required to participate in the course, but places are limited.
Selection will prioritise those applying from EIT Digital partner organisations, which are listed here.
If you are from a non-partner organisation, please select “Other organisation” in the application form.
For any questions or doubts on the application process, please contact us at spin@eitdigital.eu.
FAQ
What are examples of Deep Tech innovations?
Deep Tech innovations are scientific or engineering solutions to complex global challenges. Deep Tech sectors which are of particular interest to EIT Digital include:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, including Big Data
- Communications and Networks, including 5G
- Cybersecurity and Data Protection
- Electronics and Photonics
- Internet of Things
- Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality
- Web 3.0, including Blockchain
- Robotics
- Automotive and Remote Sensing
- Semiconductors (microchips)
- Sustainable Energy, Clean Technologies and Maritime Systems
How do I access the course?
If your application is selected, you will receive precise information via email with the full calendar and how to access the online lessons.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of the course?
Yes, we will issue an EIT Digital certificate for every individual enrolled in the course, should they comply with the required attendance rate.
What is the required attendance rate?
In order to fully benefit from the programme’s contents, participants cannot miss more than 1 Module.