Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia is focusing on startups: an intensive course to turn research into business

The Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) is once again investing in entrepreneurial training for researchers with a new edition of its intensive course dedicated to technology transfer. The initiative aims to provide the necessary tools to transform research findings into business projects and new startups.

The programme, organised by the IIT’s Technology Transfer Department in collaboration with the Startups and Entrepreneurship Unit, ran over three days and provided participants with the tools to develop entrepreneurial skills, assess the market potential of their research ideas, build a business model and familiarise themselves with the typical dynamics of technology startups.

The course took place across the IIT research centres in Pisa and Pontedera and the Navacchio Technology Hub: the programme alternated between training sessions, team work and engagement with the innovation ecosystem, enabling participants to learn about technology transfer initiatives, engage with industry professionals and present their own ideas.

These initiatives represent a crucial step on the path from research to the business sphere: the ability to assess the potential applications of scientific findings and develop a possible business model is key to fostering the creation of new startups.

The strengthening of researchers’ entrepreneurial skills at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia’s headquarters in Genova is part of a model that increasingly focuses on technology transfer as an opportunity for development. In addition to scientific research, entrepreneurial training helps to create the conditions for these new ideas to draw investments and generate economic benefits for the local area.



Edited by Davide Barbero