Beyond the Lab: Valorising Your Research

Wondering if your research could change the world beyond the lab? Explore the possibilities of science commercialization through spin-offs, licensing, or industry collaboration. Enjoy an interactive, playful session filled with real-world stories and practical tips from Michal Hrabí (ex-CEO Phonexia, JIC). From idea to action!

About the lecturer

Michal Hrabí: My passion lies in building technology companies. I love working on projects that are deeply rooted in profound knowledge and have the potential to change the world. ICT flows in my veins from my studies at Masaryk University in Brno, but for the last two decades, I have focused on the role of a technology entrepreneur and advisor. My clients started from scratch, and today their annual revenue exceeds one billion EUR. I have experience in academia (UVT MU), business support (JIC), deep tech spin-offs (Phonexia), and commercial enterprises (SOLSOL).I like to challenge the “impossible” and turn today’s sci-fi into tomorrow’s reality. I follow the path of continuous improvement and am eager to share what I’ve learned with other creators.

Preliminary agenda

🎯 Introduction (30 min)

• Brief introduction and welcome
• Why commercialize your research?
• Real-life success stories and insights

🚦 Paths to Commercialization (60 min)

• Spin-off vs. Licensing vs. Staying in academia
• Pros and cons of each path

🔑 Key Success Factors and Risks (45 min)

• Spin-off: Team, financing, product, customer
• Licensing: IP protection, royalties, partnerships
• Academic career: time constraints, career progression, publishing pressure

🎲 Lunch Break and Guided Tour

🎲 Interactive Role-playing Simulation (Spin-off scenario, 120 min)

• Scenario: Commercialization of AI-driven plant disease detection
• Task: Decide the future direction (Spin-off, Licensing, Stay in academia)
• Roles: Researcher, Investor, University, Customer
• Group presentations and sharing lessons learned

🚀 Practical First Steps (45 min)

• Essential first steps for spin-off creation (team, finances, product, customers)
• Licensing basics (protecting IP, identifying partners, negotiations)
• Practical tips from real experiences (Phonexia, JIC)
• Overview of support resources (Innovation centers, Technology transfer offices, mentorship programs)
• Brief overview of early-stage funding options (grants, investors, crowdfunding)

✨ Conclusion – From Idea to Action (30 min)

• Recap of key takeaways
• Call to action: Take your first step today!