The basics of Innovation & Entrepreneurship

The training program on “Innovation & Entrepreneurship” consists of 4 consecutive modules in the format of physical lunch & learn sessions. Participants are expected to complete all 4 modules.

During the course you will:

• gain insights into how entrepreneurship can be applied as a transversal competence in the initial phase of your (academic) career
• investigate how the results of (your) research can be used for the benefit of society
• be introduced to creative thinking, and various aspects of entrepreneurship and innovation from ideation, recognition and evaluation of opportunities and user needs, team formation
  

Module 1: Introduction on (Open) Innovation and Entrepreneurship

During this first session you will receive a general overview of the entire program and a short introduction on the fundamentals on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. We will dive deeper into the ‘EntreComp framework’ which presents a definition of entrepreneurship as a transversal competence, which can be applied to all spheres of life, from personal development, to actively participating in society, and even to starting up ventures (cultural, social or commercial). Together we will explore how this entrepreneurship competence is of relevance during and after your own PhD trajectory. To make this all concrete there will be a testimonial of dr. Valentin Carlan who finished his doctoral thesis and who is one of the co-founders of the spin-off DigiTrans which has its roots in interdisciplinary research.

​Module  2: From research to value creation and innovation: technological and commercial  readiness levels (TRL/CRL)

The concepts of Technological Readiness Level (TRL) and Commercial Readiness Level (CRL) are frequently used in the context of academic innovation and entrepreneurship. They might may come up during applications for fundamental research grants, during discussions with companies that are interested in a collaboration, or during negotiations with investors.

During this second lunch & learn session you will receive an introduction to the concepts of TRL and CRL, their advantages and drawbacks. You will learn how they can be used in the process of translating your research into a valorisation opportunity/ business idea, by building a roadmap based on the TRL and CRL. This will allow you to select the most suitable next steps at any time during the valorisation process, whether it is about protection of your intellectual property, further research, collaborations or funding. The concepts and road map strategy will be illustrated with the aid of real-life case studies. During module 2, you will also get insights into the basics of Intellectual property and the possible ways of protection and commercialization.

Module 3: The Business Model Canvas and how to apply it to your own research

During the third session you will be introduced to Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas which is a broadly used business model tool that summarizes all facets in which a business or an organization creates, delivers and retains value. But innovation is not limited solely and exclusively to business models; it is part of almost everything that takes place in life, especially in the field of science. In fact, Osterwalder affirms that the Canvas is not for exclusive use by for-profit organizations, it is also a useful tool for non-profit organizations, charities, public sector entities and for-profit social enterprises. Through examples and discussions, you will be encouraged during this workshop to translate and elaborate the Business Model Canvas within a research context.

Module 4: From research to valorisation: which route to take?

During the last session you will learn about the different potential routes for the valorisation of your research like a licence-agreement, serviceplatform or the startup of your own spin-off company. The entrepreneurial skills already trained and used during your research project will support your personal career even if you will not deliver a license deal or spin-off. You will gain insights into which challenges you have to take into account before choosing the most suited valorisation route. In this last module, there will be a wrap up of the essentials of the previous modules which you need to take into account: the assessment of the intellectual property, the TRL/CRL which are also important to assess the investor readiness of your company. Last but not least you will get an introduction in the different options on how to finance your research project and how to get interest from investors.

Learning objectives

You will learn how to/acquire:

• Insights in the EntreComp Framework and understanding on how the acquisition of competencies to act upon opportunities and ideas, and transform them into value for others by mobilizing resources can be of central importance both during and after your Phd
• Encouraging self-reflection, thinking in terms of skills, and empowerment to take charge of your own self-development
• Background knowledge on the different TRL and CRL -levels and ability to position your own research on the TRL/CRL scale
• Insights of the limitations of TRL-levels
• Being able to build a roadmap for collaborations, funding and investments based on the TRL/CRL level of your research
• Knowledge of the 9 Building Blocks of Osterwalders Business Model Canvas
• Gaining insights into basic concepts and modern tools in innovation and entrepreneurship, which motivates PhDs to transfer research results into value to society according to the needs of their stakeholders
• Being able to explore opportunities in the environment (of your research) and understand user/stakeholders needs
• Applying the business model canvas on a specific case (guided workshop)
• The basics of Intellectual property and the possible ways of protection and commercialization
• To dream or not to dream of creating your own spin-off?
• Important financial insights needed to draft your financial plan
• The points of attention when looking for industrial partners or investors;
• Tips & tricks from a spin-off company.
  

Format

The training will be live over lunch time at Campus Groenenborger and Campus Middelheim. Participation of the 4 modules is required to complete the course and to receive the credits. We offer a lunch and drinks. 

Dates and location:

Who are the trainers?

Module 1:   Barbara Tan (RTTP), Head of the Creativity & Entrepreneurship Office (CREO)
Guest Speaker (testimonial): Dr. Valentin Carlan, Co-founder DigiTrans, Post-doc researcher at the Department of Transport and Regional Economics (TPR) at the Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Antwerp.

​​Module 2:  Dr. Bram Verbinnen (RTTP), Head Valorisation Office

Module 3:  Nathalie De Schepper, Entrepreneur coach, Creativity & Entrepreneurship Office (CREO)

​Module 4: Dr. Laurens van der Steen, Valorisation manager, Valorisation Office and Dimitri Vrancken, Valorisation manager Creativity & Entrepreneurship Office (CREO)

Language of the course:

English

Docop-points:

This course counts for 0,7 points.

Registration:

Via Sisa Self Service. Log in with your student account. Registration is possible as from 9 September 2025 and after you've been (re-)enrolled as a PhD student for 2025-2026.

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