UniServices Commercialisation Workshop: Targets to Diagnostics & Therapies

Not sure where to start and need some guidance?

This interactive in-person workshop has been developed to help you transform your idea into a new and exciting venture.

Theme for this workshop: From Targets to Diagnostics and Therapies!

This workshop will focus on the development of diagnostic and therapeutic technologies such as novel therapeutic targets & agents, repurposed drug products, model-based diagnostic tools, medical devices, human augmentation technology, and m-Health for clinical use.

10am – Coffee and Welcome

10.20am – Commercialisation Pathways

In this session, we will explore the different pathways to market, including start-up companies, licences, co-developments, and partnerships, so you can consider the right path for your research. You will learn about the $20M University of Auckland Inventors’ Fund and how UniServices can help bringing your ideas to life.

Presenter: Evelyn Body, UniServices Director of Commercialisation (Biotechnology)

10.40am – Protecting IP and what can go wrong if you don’t

In this session, you will learn about intellectual property (IP), its role in commercialisation, and when to start thinking about IP protection.

Presenter: Nora Croft, UniServices IP Advisor

11.am – Early funding options

In this session, we will look at different business development strategies and funding options, and the importance of capturing ideas early. You will gain insights into the research life cycle and how UniServices’ Strategic Growth team can support you at various stages.

Presenter: Kerryn Kilkenny, UniServices Business Development Manager

11.20 – Understanding the end-user’s perspective

Dr Andrew Kelly, BioPacific Partners’ Executive Director will provide insights into matching research capabilities with industry needs and considering the voice of market. BioPacific Partners provides advice and assistance to local innovators and entrepreneurs on engaging with global partners and entering global markets.

11.40 – Morning tea

12.00 – Panel Discussion

Dr Andrew Kelly (BioPacific Partners), Dr Elliot Dunn (Brandon Capital Partners), and University of Auckland researchers Dr Jon Sperry and Dr Joanna Mathy will discuss the aspects of the commercialisation journey from an industry, funder and academics perspective. The panel will be facilitated by Kelvin Keh, UniServices’ Director of Strategic Growth.

12.45 – Lunch

1.30 – Exploring your research idea

Working through the lean canvas methodology, we will develop an actionable and focused business plan for your idea. We will also look at how to best communicate to your idea and its potential by preparing you for a pitch.

Presenter: Sandhya Badrinarayanan, UniServices Commercialisation Manager

3.15 – Afternoon tea and networking

Why should you come?

• You will learn what UniServices Commercialisation and Strategic Growth teams, Return on Science and The University of Auckland Inventors Fund can do for you.
• You will have the opportunity to talk to well networked industry advisors and gain their insight on the opportunities for your idea.
• We will help you develop a business plan.
• We will work with you to identify the potential commercial value, intellectual property protection, research impact, target customers, and funding sources available to progress your ideas.
• You will receive a professional review of your idea from UniServices

Registrants will need to fill in and return in advance an Idea Disclosure Form so the workshop can best respond to the needs of attendees. Link provided in registration confirmation.

Registrations close: July 28, 2021. View more information here.

Spaces are limited so please register now.

Contact the Commercialisation team with any questions and feel free to share this invitation with staff and post-graduate students who may be interested.