Idea Exploration Programme
As a researcher, you have the potential to drive positive change in society through innovation. Start strong with UU Innovation's Idea Exploration Programme for valuable insights into your innovative idea. This programme offers guidance on idea development through four engaging breakfast seminars.
This course is aimed at
- Doctoral student
- Researcher with a doctoral degree
- Docent
Topic
- Career support
- Intellectual property
- Innovation
About the programme
Quick facts
Programme includes: Four breakfast seminars. Independent work between sessions with personalised feedback from UU Innovation advisors. Estimated total time commitment: approximately 10 hours.
Location and time: On-site meetings. All seminars commence at 8:30 and will be held at the UU Innovation facilities, located at Dag Hammarskjölds väg 38 in Uppsala Science Park. The first and last seminars run for 1,5 hours, concluding at 10:00. The second and third seminars run for 1 hour, concluding at 9:30.
Organiser: UU Innovation
Cost: The programme is free of charge.
Limited spots: The programme accommodates 12 participants.
Who can apply? Researchers at Uppsala University (from doctoral candidates to professors) who want to explore the potential of their idea.
After the programme: By the end of the programme, you'll have enhanced your understanding of the initial steps in the idea development process and gained insights into your idea's potential value for your intended users or customers. Additionally, you'll have a better grasp of how your idea needs to evolve—from being an exciting research outcome to a practical solution. You'll also be aware of the support available from UU Innovation and have the opportunity to apply for up to 50,000 SEK in funding to continue developing your idea.
Gain insights into your innovative idea
This programme is designed for researchers at Uppsala University, from doctoral candidates to professors, who want to explore the potential of an innovative idea based on their research. You don't need prior experience in idea development—we'll take the first steps together.
Throughout the programme, you'll learn how to examine your idea from different angles to define its value for your intended users or customers. You'll also discover how to present your idea in a way that captivates your audience.
By participating, you'll connect with fellow researchers who share your interest in idea development, and you'll have access to the creative perspectives and insights of UU Innovation's team of advisors. We'll provide individual feedback on your idea as you progress through the programme.
If you're eager to continue working on your idea after the programme concludes, we offer the opportunity to apply for funding of up to 50,000 SEK to further evaluate your concept.
Get a focused start
This programme is ideal for those who want to kickstart their idea development journey and prefer to do so alongside others. Additionally, it appeals to those who see value in getting a focused start.
Keep in mind that our personalised guidance is always available, allowing you to reach out whenever you need assistance in getting started. If you prefer to take things at your own pace right from the beginning, our individual counselling option may be a better fit for you.
If you have any questions or uncertainties about which option suits you best, please feel free to get in touch with us!
Format
The Idea Exploration Programme includes four breakfast sessions
- Explore your idea
In this inaugural seminar, we'll guide you through the process of identifying the needs your innovative idea addresses. Who would benefit from your solution? We'll help you define your target audience and understand their problems and needs. This analysis will enable you to better assess whether your idea has the potential to fulfill a genuine need for your audience. - Understand the alternatives
In the second session, we'll delve into the alternatives you need to compare with and potentially surpass. How does your audience currently address their challenges? We'll explore existing options, their costs, advantages, and disadvantages. This understanding will provide insights into how your idea can stand out and offer something unique. - Craft a compelling solution
Now that you have insights into the problem you aim to solve and the available alternatives, it's time to focus on your own solution. How can you tailor your solution to better meet the needs? How can you highlight its advantages? We'll also discuss ways to communicate your idea effectively to engage various audiences. - Presentation and future outlook
In the final seminar, you'll practice presenting your idea based on the structure we've worked on and the information you've gathered. Constructive feedback will guide you forward! As you contemplate your plans for your idea and the necessary next steps, we'll also discuss the possibility of applying for funding of up to 50,000 SEK to further develop your idea. Moreover, we'll introduce the opportunity to join our mentor programme as a means to enhance both your idea and your network beyond academia. To conclude the Idea Exploration Programme, we'll have a special guest share insights into their work and the strategic steps they've taken to translate research findings into an innovative solution.
Course occasions and sign-up
Contact us
If you have questions about the programme or want to discuss an idea, please email us at innovation@uu.se