We have developed this program especially for young researchers enthusiastic about science, new ideas, and discoveries, who would like to bridge their knowledge towards products and services that could benefit us all.

We know it is not easy to imagine a “business idea” around science when one has been trained to perform fundamental research, but that is where this course can make a difference. The StartUp Research Program brings together the best venture experts from NOVA SBE and ground breaking scientists from ITQB NOVA, to train young researchers to recognize a good business opportunity when it emerges within the lab environment.

After this 3-month intensive training, Life Science researchers are expected to become more alert to innovation, and therefore further willing to explore sustainable translational opportunities.

You are at the frontline of knowledge creation and we wish to see you generating value from it for the benefit of society.

Cláudio M. Soares

ITQB NOVA Dean

Mission

Innovation is the process of generating value by satisfying an unmet need, by a process that employs problem definition, knowledge, and creativity.

Innovation is critical to improve people’ lives and societal development. In the case of Life Sciences, this may take the form of new or improved medicines, more efficient and sustainable energy resources, or new technological solutions to protect our environment and safeguard our citizens.

An interdisciplinary approach to innovation has long been recognized as an essential factor in translation of knowledge into effective products or services. However, there are still critical communication gaps between the scientific community and commercial actors.

The StartUp Research Program is an international and truly interdisciplinary Post-Graduation course brought together by scientists and entrepreneurs from a recognized scientific research institution, ITQB NOVA, and one of the most modern and best-preforming European business schools - NOVA SBE.

The aim of the Program is to help closing the communication gap between scientists and business stakeholders by providing researchers with the social awareness and business skills, required to actively promote the translation of their technologies into innovative amenities.

The StartUp Research Mission is two-fold:

• To endow Life Science researchers with an Innovation mindset, tailoring their profile to become effectual actors in intertwined relationships between academia and industry; and

• To build upon the translational value of the research performed in R&D clusters to promote their social impact and sustainability.