The mintt course is composed of six modules, six mandatory workshops and one day dedicated to case studies.
Learn more about the course content and speakers below (programme for 2023).
Modules (June 6 & 7, 2023)
By Mauro Lattuada & Natalia Giovannini
All innovation starts with a new concept, a new way of doing things. The first module of mintt explores how researchers and entrepreneurs can add value to their inventions so they’re more than just an idea. You will learn:
- What the difference is between an invention and a discovery (and why it matters)
- When you can call yourself an inventor, and what that means
- The processes behind disclosing, protecting, and developing your invention
- How to pick the right patenting and protection strategies
You’ll be exposed to real-life examples and best practices. You’ll also hear from a guest speaker who’s been there. He will share his experience as he moved from early lab research to a successful startup. Together we’ll explore how to start navigating the journey towards commercialization.
Working on a technical field is supposed to give birth to inventions, technical advancements and resolutions of practical problems. But is it always the case? Are which are the tools to exploit and protect the intellectual property of something new? This seminar will focus on patents as an instrument to give value to your work and build possible business perspectives.
After a brief introduction, the seminar will go through an overview of the main concepts around a utility patent, its strengths and eligibility thereto. Procedural and practical aspects regarding when, what and how to protect inventions will be addressed, with a focus on the European jurisdiction practices and requirements, and tips to optimize the protection. The talk will end with some short strategic considerations regarding how to pick the best from your daily work to maximize the value of a possible invention in terms of patent protection.
By Andrea Crottini & Mauro Lattuada
Transferring new technologies and bright inventions to impact society is an important mission of the university. As an inventor, having contributed to such technologies and inventions is a great achievement. Licensing them to industry and startups opens the path to the market and is an absolute reward for innovators.
This module focuses on licensing, the most common way to transfer technologies. It is a very interactive module combining case studies and examples to illustrate the essential components of the license agreement. It also aims to provide a basis for licensing negotiations.
To create a startup is in some cases the only way for an inventor to demonstrate the validity of an innovation while everybody else has yet to fully grasp its potential.
However before moving forward, it is necessary for an aspiring entrepreneur to understand what it takes to build a startup and what kind of mindset she or he must develop to fulfill this demanding and sometimes very rewarding task.
By Adam Swetloff & Ghislain Singla
More details soon.
Workshops (June 13, 14 & 15, 2023).
Enhance your soft skills, inspire and lead!
- What is your leadership compass?
- How to promote your skills/capabilities and beta products without being “pushy” or “arrogant”?
- How to inspire people?
- How to prime for trust while conversing with stakeholders, customers or clients?
- How to convey strong messages ?
These are the questions we will be addressing during the workshop.
If you can’t wait to be with us, watch this inspirational video presented by Simon Sinek.
By Natalia Giovannini, Alberto Di Consiglio & Adam Swetloff
In this session, we will explore the role and importance of data in life science patents to understand why having good data is critical and how this should fit in an IP strategy. We will first explore the underlying IP concepts relevant to data. Following this, you will be divided into small teams and apply these principles to real-world case studies in an interactive session. We will conclude with a summary of the key concepts learned and will highlight some best practices points. By the end of the session you will have a good understanding about key IP concepts including: the role of data, plausibility and sufficiency.
By Bea Arnold & Mauro Lattuada
In its lifespan a startup will usually undergo one or more investment rounds.
This module presents different financing alternatives with a focus on Corporate Investment.
It gives an overview about the funding process (from evaluation till agreement signature) and about roles and responsibilities of the parties (startup, investors, Board) once the deal has been finalized.
It suggests hints on how entrepreneurs can best benefit from the expertise and experience of the funding entities.
A workshop on patent matters will be presented by an industrial intellectual property expert. This workshop will address practical and business related issues and will involve the active participation of the class.
By Andrea Crottini & Ghislain Singla
What is an IP asset? Which are the concepts of IP value? How to perform a patent valuation? Which methods are used? Participants to this module will be able to acquire the fundamental concepts and apply them in one case study.
By Mauro Lattuada & Thomas Bourgeau
Software is both an essential working tool for researchers as well an important intellectual property asset for companies. In this workshop, we will introduce the basic concepts of intellectual property matters related to software, discuss the fundamentals of a software license and introduce the most common open source licenses. The main business models related to software commercialization will be also presented and discussed. Participants will work on a case study which will illustrate a typical situation which they may encounter in their research and development activities.
Contact
mintt is organized by the Technology Transfer team and is part of the Doctoral School (cf. course ref. ENG-623).
For any questions please contact [email protected]