Innovation and Entrepreneurship Workshop for Scientists and Engineers
- Wits Innovation Centre, University of Witwatersrand
Workshop dates: July 11-15, 2022 (Apply by 31st May)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
A 5-day intensive workshop on Innovation and Entrepreneurship will be organized by the Wits Innovation Centre (WIC) at Wits University during July 11-14, 2022. Participants will be introduced to the basics of innovation and entrepreneurship – seeking opportunities for innovative technical solutions to the needs of society and taking these ideas to market by developing a viable business model, a sound business plan, and a commercialisation strategy.
GOALS AND TOPICS
The objectives of this Workshop are to introduce scientists and engineers to the process of innovation, generation and protection of intellectual property, technology transfer and commercialisation of inventions. The Workshop will consist of lectures by invited speakers, case studies, group discussions and role-playing sessions related to commercialisation of a product.
Topics will include:
- Relation between scientific research, inventions and products;
- Innovation/Research to market case studies
- Market needs identification/feasibility study (industry presenters will pose their problems)
- Concept of intellectual property (IP) and its significance in commercialising your ideas
- WIC support for commercialisation
- Business Model development
- Taking science to the market - Timelines and processes for taking an invention to product;
- Doing business in South Africa (components of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, business formalities, IP management, grants, investor resources, etc.)
- Finance – basic financial skills needed for start-ups
- Marketing and Sales
- Communication and networking skills
- Group exercises, networking, and collaboration among participants
- Pitching your ideas to investors, customers, etc., business plan presentations by participants
PARTICIPATION
This program is for a selected and limited number of participants. It is particularly aimed at early career academic staff and researchers, postdocs, postgraduates, and undergraduate students. Participants should be interested in learning innovation and entrepreneurial skills and in developing an understanding of how to commercialise their research outputs. Academic staff, postdocs, postgraduates, and senior undergraduates from all branches of science, engineering and management faculties from the Wits community are invited to apply for participation in the Workshop. Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Selection of candidates will be based on their technical background to get a mix of disciplines and strong motivation to become innovators and entrepreneurs as evidenced in their application.
Given the demanding programme, participants should be willing to work hard during the entire week.
Price of the workshop will be R3000 per person (Bursary opportunities are available. To apply for a bursary please send a 1-page motivation to Mrs. Tammy Van Tonder – Tamelyne.vantonder@wits.ac.za)
HOW TO APPLY FOR PARTICIPATION: Until May 31st 2022, candidates can access the Online Application from the activity website: https://forms.gle/bPtoN66Nim1SBzMA6
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE: Prof. Surya Raghu, Prof. Barry Dwolatzky, Mr. Letlotlo Phohole
Contact: Ms. Tamelyne Van Tonder
Should you require any further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me