Fifteen researchers and two technology managers are taking part in this program, which seeks to build advanced capabilities in this group in order to spark a cultural transformation at the university.
It will consist of 10 weeks of hands-on workshops taught by Know Hub Chile’s professional team to a group of researchers inclined toward innovation and entrepreneurship.
Topics such as customer discovery, market and competitor identification, intellectual property strategies, business models and transfer will be part of Level-up, the program that seeks to build advanced capabilities in a group of researchers from the Universidad Católica del Maule in order to spark a cultural transformation at the university.
Over two months, the researchers will acquire practical tools to evaluate and identify results and to define problems or needs, competitors and potential markets for their technology, as well as to deepen their understanding of value propositions and customer segments. They will also receive training to develop presentation and negotiation skills.
The five research teams from the Universidad Católica del Maule (UCM) have technologies mainly in biotechnology and chemistry, notably the creation of new materials, foods and beverages; the development of prophylactic treatments for diseases; and the development of techniques to produce plant-derived metabolites sustainably. Overall, the projects focus on generating sustainable and circular economy work methodologies.
Javier Ramírez, Executive Director of Know Hub Chile, commented on the initiative: “Researchers are indispensable; they must be involved in every step of the technology transfer process and must have knowledge of, and training in, areas such as innovation and entrepreneurship. This training allows them to help us, as Technology Transfer Hubs, do more effective work for the benefit of all.”
“This course is a very powerful tool for the researchers taking it. It will contribute greatly to a sound evaluation of their technology, whether it is already under way or an idea for future applied technology development,” added Fabiola Loyola, Director of Innovation, Development and Technology Transfer at UCM’s Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies. Loyola is also a member of Know Hub Chile’s Board of Directors.
Level-up began its workshops on Wednesday, October 20, with the introduction of the teams and a description of their research results, led by Jovanka Trebotich, Technology Transfer Coordinator, and Alonso Ureta, Technology Transfer Analyst, both from Know Hub Chile. The process will conclude on December 20 with the teams’ final presentations.
Know Hub Building
Level-up is part of Know Hub Building, a program that aims to strengthen Know Hub partners’ institutional capacity in innovation, as well as to build capabilities in managing research results and intellectual property, integrate good technology transfer practices, foster an innovation culture, and support the creation and growth of technology-based ventures.
Know Hub Building includes a series of initiatives, such as the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Leveling Program, in which 40 UCM researchers and technology managers took part between November 2020 and January 2021. This program offers theoretical classes that provide foundational knowledge in innovation management, intellectual property, technology transfer and science- and technology-based entrepreneurship.
Tech-boost, another Know Hub Building program, focuses on hands-on workshops. Level-up is part of Tech-boost.
