TAPAS TE5: Entrepreneurship

• Note that each of these live session is preceded by an online part (to do at your own pace when you have time) that consist of 2 parts:
• "Theory" section where you find all the theoretical information you need for the module. It always consists of some general theory, one or more canvasses that we explain and an example of this step in a research case. The theory sections of all modules are open so you can go through them at your own pace. Make sure to watch all the theory before you start your assignments and/or the live sessions.
• A "Workshop" section where you find more information about the hands-on tasks for this module. These will vary in form and can be personal preparatory assignments and/or live sessions where we will work in groups.

• At the end, we plan a final pitch for a professional jury. The timing depends on the number of teams (less then 8 teams -> 2 hours; more teams: split in a forenoon and afternoon session)
• provisional date for the final pitch (depends on the availability of the jury): Tuesday, 23 February 2021.
• if there are people from the partner organisations (companies) which are responsible to put products or services in the market, e.g. business developers and innovation managers, then you are very welcome to participate in the jury; just send an email to Barbara with as topic "TAPAS TE5, jury"

What we need from you ASAP

• 6 (or more) technology-related ideas for which one would like to look at some format to valorise them (spin-off, licensing, becoming a consultant, ...)
• workshop revolves around these ideas, so come up with good ideas!
• start from your own research or technology you were involved in: you need to know the technology well to work out a going-to-market strategy
• the workshop is oriented towards technology-related ideas, so nothing related to legislation, history, ...
• the team of experts that organize the workshop prefer diverse ideas so that they can look for complementary teams/ideas
• the "go to market" ideas have to be available (in a high level / rough form) before the workshop start
• each idea is taken up by a small group of 1 to 4 persons (there can be a mix of small teams and larger teams)
• when finished, send a short description of the idea (e.g. 1 page) to Barbara with as subject "TAPAS TE5, project idea"
• the email addresses of those who will participate:
• all ESRs are expected to participate; since your emails are know, there is no need to send them
• non ESRs may also participate (e.g. reinforce a team); teams may even be reinforced with non-TAPAS people from the beneficiaries and partner organisations
• if you participate, you are expected to be present at all sessions; no add-hoc participation!
• to be added to the course, send your email to Barbara with as subject "TAPAS TE5, participant"
• if you already have a group of people that want to work on a single idea, then also mail this information to Barbara with as subject "TAPAS TE5, group"

Table of content

• session1: Introduction
• Understand the goal of the TE
• Know how you are expected to take part in this online TE
• Get familiar with the process that will be applied during the TE
• Introduction to two real-life case studies
• Understand why the TE is relevant for you and your research

• session2: Researcher & entrepreneur
• Understand the importance of a granny-proof pitch to explain your research
• Use the Research Canvas tool to look at your research from different angles (business, legal and communication perspective)
• Define and describe the unique elements and opportunities of your research in an easily accessible way
• Reflect on yourself to understand what your goals, dreams & skills are related to entrepreneurship

• session3: Opportunity identification
• Understand that your research can be turned into innovation through technology push
• Apply brainstorming techniques to find new business opportunities and applications of your research
• Select a top 3-5 from many high level ideas you identified during the brainstorm phase
• Create a one-pager with the key elements of your top 3-5 ideas to further explore their market potential

• session4: Value proposition
• Understand the importance of a value proposition that matches customer jobs, pains & gains
• Use the Value Proposition Canvas tool to outline the value of your research
• Define and describe one or more customer segments and profiles
• Define and describe the value of your research

• session5: Business model
• Understand the importance of a sustainable and up-to-date business model for your business idea
• Define and describe the key aspects of a business model: value proposition, customer segments, channels,
• customer relationships, revenue streams, key resources, key partners, key activities and cost structures
• Use the Business Model Canvas tool to design, describe and challenge your business model
• Validate your business model and adapt it when necessary

• session6: Pitching
• Understand the importance of preparing and giving a pitch
• Identify the essential elements of a good pitch
• Differentiate between different forms of pitches serving different audiences
• Tailor your pitch to audience needs

Organisation:

• organised by University Ghent
• participants are expected to be present at all sessions (unless with valid excuse of course), i.e. the sessions are not optional; it is all-in or all-out
• participants need:
• stable internet connection to the EU (for those who may be visiting their home country in Jan/Feb)
• laptop
• camera (e.g. the one in the laptop)
• headset (the headset is needed: otherwise audio in a large group is problematic)
• online platforms being used: Zoom (with break-out rooms) + Miro (canvasses, collaborative tasks)
• expect to spend around 5 hours per session (2h30 for the live session, remainder for the online course + preparation for the live session)