Academic entrepreneurship 7405-AC-AE-1

The course aims to prepare doctoral students for the conscious, responsible and ethical, legal and economic transfer of scientific research results to the economy and society. The course focuses on the practical aspects of commercialising academic knowledge and developing entrepreneurial thinking in research activities. During the course, participants learn about the functioning of the innovation ecosystem at the university, including the roles of the researcher, supervisor and technology transfer support units. The basic paths for implementing research results, such as licensing, creating spin-off companies and providing research and development services, are discussed, along with their organisational and financial consequences. Particular emphasis is placed on issues of intellectual property protection (patents, copyrights, know-how), confidentiality, and the relationship between commercialisation and publication of research results, including in the open access model.

The workshop part of the course involves working on translating research results into value propositions for specific audiences. Doctoral students learn to identify stakeholder problems and needs, define audience segments, and construct business models using Lean Canvas or Business Model Canvas tools. Issues such as implementation planning, setting milestones and technology readiness levels (TRL), as well as basic sources of financing for research, development and implementation projects are also discussed. An important element of the course is the development of communication skills. Participants prepare and present a concise project pitch to selected stakeholders (e.g. grantors, industrial partners, investors), learning to present the scientific and application value of their research in a clear and convincing manner. The course ends with project presentations and feedback, enabling a critical assessment of the commercialisation concept and planning of further steps in the project's development. The course is conducted in the form of a seminar and workshop, with an emphasis on active participation, teamwork and analysis of own or lecturer-proposed cases.