Neuroscience and neurotechnology continue to be at the forefront of scientific exploration and offer endless opportunities for innovative products for society. However, how to create tangible solutions for the healthcare system, industry, or for everyday citizens is not easy and requires an understanding of entrepreneurial principles to translate scientific ideas into a product or service and at the same time solving an actual (market) need in society. This course aims to give students and researches in neurosciences and related disciplines an overview about entrepreneurship as well as common business tools and strategies, to be able to assess the commercialization potential of a scientific idea and to develop solutions towards market needs. Topics include:
- Bringing scientific inventions and research ideas to market
- Entrepreneurship in all its facets
- Business Model Canvas / Lean Startup
- Effectuation and Design Thinking
- Cross-cultural communication
- From invention to the successful diffusion of products/services
- Intellectual Property
- Venture capital and financing
- Ethics and regulatory frameworks for health technologies
Learning objectives
After this course you will be able to:
- Identify and evaluate the commercial potential of research ideas
- Apply business strategies and models to research innovations
- Navigate the startup ecosystem, including networking, pitching, and securing funding
- Address regulatory, ethical, and risk management considerations in innovation
- Analyze real-world cases and develop solutions for research commercialization
Teachers: Ian Cameron (RU) and Ásgeir Jónsson (HR)
Ian Cameron coordinates the Science, Management and Innovation Master Specialization at Radboud University and also works at the OnePlanet Research Center for chip and digital technology. He has a PhD in Neuroscience and an Master of Business Administration. Previously he was a researcher at the Donders Institute employing fMRI, TMS, fNIRS and eye tracking techniques.
Ásgeir Jónsson is a lecturer at the Department of Business and Economics at Reykjavik University. For the past 8 years Ásgeir has taught, developed, and directed undergraduate programs at the department. He teaches Iceland’s largest innovation and entrepreneurial course at university level and currently coordinates the Reykjavik’s Universities innovation efforts within NeurotechEU.
Target group: Advanced Bachelor, Master, PHD students and Postdocs.
Admission requirements
Participants should be enrolled in/working at a minimum of Bachelor level in a neuroscience- or neurotechnology-related discipline, e.g., cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, neurobiology, neurology, computer science, or artificial intelligence.