Issue link: https://htpgraphics.uberflip.com/i/711915
The Roadmap is our signature workshop programme and lies at the core of our support for innovators. For many it is the start of a journey and is specifically designed to empower innovators and equip you with the skills and understanding to commercialise your idea. It features a series of half day workshops over five months covering everything from balancing academia and entrepreneurship to launching your enterprise. There is an annual rolling programme for Roadmap, alongside Ignition and Spotlight activity, to suit most innovators. Upon completion of the Roadmap programme, outcomes will include; a newly developed or improved business case, a pitch slide-deck or video (or both!), and a quality pitch structure to be used to provide your audience with a quick overview of your venture. After attending Roadmap, if you wish to take your plan forward, you will be able to apply for additional support via our Business Review Panel and bid for a start-up award alongside development services from the Enterprise Team and its supporting Partners and Associates. Successful innovators will receive a bespoke 12 month support and mentoring package through our Momentum activity. Each package will focus on the individual needs of the venture, but would typically include the following;- 1) For start-ups that require University Intellectual Property it can negotiate an assignment or license based on a business case which the University considers will optimise commercialisation of its IP 2) £5,000 start-up award. This can be used to fund services such as (but not limited to); accountancy, solicitors and patent attorney fees, product design activity, business development, PR and marketing, market research and feasibility testing and travel to key stakeholder meetings 3) Coaching Sessions – monthly through our Enterprise Team or our seasoned coaches for up to one year (maximum of 24 hours) for support in business planning, market research, strategy etc 4) Mentoring – general or subject specific from one of our expert panel, agreed as appropriate 5) Potential to access a UMIP Fellow to assist with critical project assignments. Typical project assignments will include: • Technology assessment and commercial analysis • Creation of technology marketing flyers and summaries • Scientific, market or prior art and patent research/analysis to inform decisions relating to patenting of inventions • Identifying potential licensees or investors for new technologies 6) Potential to access an 'Entrepreneur in Transit' to help strengthen your venture team 7) Continued Enterprise Education sharing insights, expertise and access to skills to improve overall business acumen and develop as an entrepreneur 8) Facilitated access to a range of external funding, grants and relevant support for your venture through the network of Innovation Optimiser supporters and providers, many of which are provided initially pro-bono or at reduced rates for our innovators 9) Access to quality online tools and templates including guidance on business start-up and compliance issues (i.e. the Companies Act, Employment law, HMRC requirements and Information Technology/Security) 10) Ongoing access to topics of interest with expert speakers to keep you motivated 11) Ongoing access to networking and knowledge sharing events with other University entrepreneurs to build a peer support community 12) Focused support for innovation grant proposal writing through our network of providers (if required) 13