Into the world of business
Both these events are now full. We hope to run them again in 2009.
These events give you a chance to explore the idea of commercialising research. It will be relevant to people who are:
- Interested in starting up their own company in the future
- Looking for employment in a commercial environment
- Aspiring academics who would like an understanding of how their research might attract interest (or funding!) from industrial sources
This event is FREE and open to all postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers at the University of Glasgow. No prior experience or business knowledge is required.
Where?
The Buchanan Arms hotel, near Drymen. This is a luxury hotel, close to Loch Lomond. All accommodation and meals are paid for and we will provide transport from the University of Glasgow.
What will I be doing?
With an expert tutor to lead you through the basics of business planning, finance, marketing and project management you will work in teams to develop an idea that you later pitch to a panel of experts. The winning team gets £500!
Who is the tutor?
Dr. Patrick Andrews is a co-founder of break-step productions ltd. A Chartered Engineer, Patrick is also the co-inventor of SceneReader, an award-winning software tool which can read text in complex scenes.
Patrick has specialist knowledge of research commercialisation and undertakes business development work for Strathclyde University. He is a compulsive inventor and advises a range of companies on how to tune-up their competitive creativity.
He has the correct answers to these questions:
'How can machines see that a seagull and a letter 'm' are related?'
'What is art for?'
and
'Is TV destroying society?'
We have also invited some special guests to each event. All former Glasgow students, these guys will be able to tell you from their own experiences about the highs and lows of setting up a business.
When?
Obviously research commercialisation means different things to different subject areas so we have arranged two events. Although they'll have a broadly similar programme, each will have a slightly different focus.
Event 1: 16, 17, 18 October
This event looks at taking a particular technology to market and will explore issues such as patenting and venture capital. This is relevant to people who are likely to have a tangible 'product' or
technology to sell. Our speakers at this event are product design engineers.
This event includes a half day of outdoor activities at Loch Lomond.
(Note: If you have any concerns about the outdoor activities please get in touch. You're not required to be fit or sporty and we do realise it's October and we're not planning to throw anyone in the
Loch!!)
Event 2: 21, 22 November
This event will have an emphasis on licensing, negotiation and consultancy. This event is for you if you work in a subject area where the 'product' is less defined and it's
more about selling your own knowledge. Our speakers at this event will be from the creative industries.
'One of the most interesting and useful training events I've ever been to'
