Transforming UCL’s Academic Innovations into Customer-Validated Ventures
UCL’s vision
Develop a pipeline of qualified ideas to become the fastest-growing university in commercialising research generated intellectual property (IP).
Taking the first step
The "Test, Validate & Pitch" programme, developed by Aspire for UCL and delivered in partnership with UCLB (UCL's technology transfer office & investment business), was designed to bridge the gap between the work of academic researchers and opportunities in the market. The 10-week programme was open to participants across the UCL research community, from the humanities, to computer sciences and bio-engineering.
Training was delivered through the Test, Validate & Pitch online portal and featured short-form video workshops and downloadable tools and playbooks. Virtual expert-led workshops and coaching sessions supplemented online training to help faculty test their ideas for commercial viability. At the end of the programme, the participants pitched their ideas at a live event at UCL's School of Management premises at Canary Wharf in London.
The Results
After taking part in the Aspire Programme, participants reported feeling 30% more confident that they could turn their ideas into effective customer-centric solutions, exploring potential business models, and developing a clear and compelling business case.