UU Innovation Idea Exploration Programme
As a researcher, you have the potential to drive positive change in society through innovation. Whether it's sustainable transportation, enhancing citizen participation, or tackling mental health challenges, your research can make a difference. Join us for four engaging breakfast sessions to explore the innovative potential within your research.
Click here for facts about the programme
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.
Cost: The programme is free of charge.
Limited spots: The programme accommodates 12 participants.
Who can apply? Researchers at Uppsala University, Dalarna University and the University of Gävle (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.
Dates for the programme that runs in May
Application is closed.
Seminars on Wednesdays following dates:
- 8 May (08:30-10:00)
- 15 May (08:30-09:30)
- 22 May (08:30-09:30)
- 29 May (08:30-10:00).
Gain insights into your innovative idea
This programme is designed for you who want to explore the potential of an innovative idea based on your research. You don't need prior experience in idea development—we'll take the first steps together.
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 across the University, and gain access to the creative perspectives and insights of UU Innovation's team of advisors. You'll get 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.
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!
In this short video, Hillevi Englund, business advisor at UU Innovation, talks about the Idea Exploration Programme and the reasons for applying.
The video also includes film clips from one of the programme's four seminars.
To enable English captions, go to settings.
Perspectives on the programme
Maria Vrettou and Natalia Calvo Barajas
In the initial stages, you truly need a push and hands-on guidance. The programme facilitates a smoother start to your innovation process and helps with motivation to continue working on your idea. It's about establishing a plan and understanding how to progress with your idea.
Maria Vrettou, a researcher in Women’s and Children’s Health, and Natalia Calvo Barajas, a researcher in Information Technology, teamed up for the 2023 Idea Exploration Programme.
Nima Rafati
Ideas, much like seeds, require cultivation. Without a deep understanding of the principles guiding their growth, these seeds of thought may struggle to flourish. Therefore, acquiring the right knowledge and principles becomes pivotal in nurturing these ideas.
In the Idea Exploration Programme, participants were equipped with fundamental principles for evaluating business ideas. This programme proved immensely beneficial, offering concise yet comprehensive content that laid a solid foundation for grasping the essence of exploring business ideas. The short and impactful morning sessions, combined with breakfast and tea, created a friendly atmosphere. This setting encouraged active engagement, allowing participants to learn, inquire, and interact not only with the lecturer but also with other UU Innovation staff. I firmly believe this programme is invaluable for anyone seeking to delve deeper into exploring their ideas.
Nima Rafati, Bioinformatician at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology. Participated in the Idea Exploration Programme in 2023.
Four breakfast seminars
Seminar 1: 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.
Seminar 2: 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.
Seminar 3: 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.
Seminar 4: Presentation and future outlook
In the final session, 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.
Interested in joining the Idea Exploration Programme?
Do you want to know when the next application period opens? Get in touch with us and we will send you a reminder when it is time to apply for the next round of the Idea Exploration Programme.
Email your expression of interest
Keep in mind that you can reach out to us anytime to get started with developing your idea! We offer individual counselling throughout the year.
Contact us
If you have questions about the programme or want to discuss an idea, please email us at innovation@uu.se