Evolve

This opportunity is open to researchers at the Master's, PhD, PostDoc, and Principal Investigator levels across any academic sector or discipline who have identified an idea for commercialisation.

The Evolve programme is designed to achieve several key objectives, aligning with the broader goals of the commercialisation of research. Specifically, to:

• Create a strong pipeline for high potential start-up ventures: Evolve's primary goal is to create a robust pipeline of spin-out projects for acceleration and investment. By thoroughly preparing participants, the programme ensures they are ready to advance to the next stage of business development, whether that involves entering an accelerator, seeking investment, or scaling their operations.
• Introduce entrepreneurial tools and techniques: We seek to equip participants who have a start-up concept with essential entrepreneurial tools and techniques. This foundation helps transform concepts into viable business propositions, ensuring individuals are well-prepared for the challenges of entrepreneurship.
• Propose methods for collaborative working: The programme emphasises the importance of collaboration in a commercial setting. It teaches participants effective methods for working together, fostering a team-oriented approach crucial for business success.
• Promote networking and team building: Networking is a cornerstone of the Evolve programme. It encourages participants to build global connections (advisors, customers, investors, mentors, partners), which are vital for establishing a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Expose participants to successful role models: The programme provides inspiration and practical insights by introducing participants to entrepreneurial role models from research who have taken this path. These role models serve as mentors and sources of motivation, helping participants navigate their entrepreneurial journeys.
• Encourage engagement with stakeholders: The programme encourages participants to engage with local and relevant stakeholders. This engagement helps participants understand the ecosystem they are operating in and fosters relationships that can benefit their start-ups.

While the researcher population is growing and possesses valuable knowledge that can benefit society, progress is often hindered by a lack of business acumen and entrepreneurial thinking. The Evolve programme addresses these gaps by offering the following key benefits:

• Mastering research commercialisation: Gain comprehensive guidance and support to navigate the complex process of commercialising your research, especially if you're embarking on your first spin-out.
• Acquiring business insights: Develop a deep understanding of crucial business aspects, including market analysis, technical feasibility, and commercial business case development, bridging the gap in your knowledge.
• Building practical skills: Enhance your hands-on skills in essential areas such as business model development, intellectual property (IP) management, market analysis, and fundraising, critical for research commercialisation success.
• Joining a supportive community: Become part of a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, providing ongoing support, encouragement, and collaboration opportunities vital for long-term success.
• Expanding your network: Connect with investors, partners, and industry customers, significantly increasing your chances of successful commercialisation by accessing valuable resources and support.
• Boosting success rates: Increase your commercialisation success rate by acquiring the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to transform your research into successful products or services.
• Cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset: Foster an entrepreneurial culture among researchers in a safe and supportive setting, encouraging innovative thinking and building venture capabilities.
• Accessing relevant content: Stay informed with access to up-to-date content, including industry trends, market demands, and case studies of successful commercialisation efforts, crucial for your journey.

We welcome Expressions of Interest from:

• Women researchers at the Master’s, PhD, PostDoc and Principal Investigator levels across any academic sector or discipline attending a regional college, research centre, or university.
• Participation can be individual or as a team of up to three people, with men welcome to join.
• All IP resides with the academic institution.
• Must be resident in Ireland or Northern Ireland.

Key Dates

• Application Process Opens: Monday, 9 September 2024
• Researcher Briefing: Monday, 16 September 2024
• Application Process Closes: Monday, 30 September 2024
• Evolve Shortlist Announced: Friday, 4 October 2024
• Evolve Programme Commences: Wednesday, 16 October 2024
• Evolve Programme Concludes: Wednesday, 18 December 2024

Register here for the Researcher Online Briefing

Programme Schedule

• Workshop 01: Orientation, Wednesday, 16 October 2024 (in-person in Belfast)
• Workshop 02: Problem Framing, Wednesday 23 October 2024 (online)
• Workshop 03: Customer Discovery, Wednesday, 30 October 2024 (online)
• Workshop 04: Value Proposition, Wednesday, 6 November 2024 (online)
• Workshop 05: Market Sizing, Wednesday, 13 November 2024 (online)
• Workshop 06: Presentation Skills, Wednesday, 20 November 2024 (online)
• Workshop 07: Business Roadmap, Wednesday, 27 November 2024 (online)
• Workshop 08: Pitch Preparation, Wednesday 4 December 2024 (online)
• Workshop 09: Practice Pitch (Wednesday, 11 December 2024) (online)
• Workshop 10: Programme Showcase, Wednesday, 18 December 2024 (in-person in Dublin)

In addition to the workshops, there will be a weekly one-to-one mentor session and a virtual peer group meet-up.

The Evolve programme features a hybrid delivery model, including two in-person workshops (one in Belfast and one in Dublin) and eight online workshops scheduled from 9am to 1pm GMT. Each participant/team will also receive eight individual mentor meetings and join a weekly virtual peer group meet-up. Selected participants are expected to commit to attending all workshops and mentorship sessions, ensuring no scheduling conflicts. Participants/teams should also allocate ten hours of work outside of the scheduled workshops.

Upon programme completion, fellows will receive a certificate of completion for 25 training hours. The Evolve programme will be further enhanced with two months of alumni peer exchange and mentorship in Spring 2025, to signpost to next stage supports.

Evolve is a competitive call for those with a commercialisation idea. It is suitable for those planning to apply to or currently in receipt of Enterprise Ireland, Invest NI, or Innovate UK commercialisation supports. Open to teams, it requires a woman founder or co-founder. To ensure a productive programme experience, a maximum of 10 individuals/teams of up to three people will be selected to join the programme cohort.

There is no cost to participate in this programme.

Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses to and from the two in-person workshops.

Applications for this programme have now closed.