Lab to Launch: How to Turn Research into a Scalable Startup [Pre-Order]

[Pre-Order Course – Full Launch Coming Soon]

Course Objective:
This course is designed to guide researchers, scientists, and academics on the path from lab discovery to market-ready innovation. Learn how to validate your idea, build a business model, secure funding, and scale your research into a successful, impactful startup.

Module 1: From Discovery to Opportunity

Topics Covered:

• The Mindset Shift: Researcher to Entrepreneur
• Identifying Commercial Potential in Scientific Research
• Real-World Examples of Lab-to-Market Success Stories
• Intellectual Property 101: Protect Before You Pitch
• Problem-Solution Fit: Who Needs Your Innovation?
• Worksheet:
  Research Commercialization Canvas + Innovation Opportunity Map

Module 2: Validating Your Idea

Topics Covered:

• Customer Discovery & Interview Techniques
• Market Research: TAM, SAM, SOM Explained
• Competitive Landscape & Industry Trends
• Early MVP Concepts in Deep Tech, MedTech & Biotech
• Validating Feasibility, Desirability & Viability
• Assignment:
  Conduct 5 customer interviews + draft a one-pager of key validation insights

Module 3: Business Model Development

Topics Covered:

• Business Model Canvas for Scientific Startups
• Defining Your Value Proposition
• Revenue Models in Research-Based Startups
• Building Early Partnerships (Universities, Labs, Industry)
• Planning Your First Pilot or Prototype
• Activity:
  Complete your Business Model Canvas with feedback checkpoints

Module 4: Legal, Licensing & IP Strategy

Topics Covered:

• Technology Transfer Offices: How to Work With Them
• Navigating Patents, Copyrights & Trademarks
• Licensing Options: Exclusive, Non-exclusive & Equity Deals
• Avoiding Common Pitfalls in IP Commercialization
• Collaboration Agreements, NDAs & Spinouts
• Downloadable:
  IP Checklist & Licensing Readiness Assessment

Module 5: Building Your Founding Team & Network

Topics Covered:

• Do You Need a Co-Founder? What Skills to Look For
• Roles of CTOs, CSOs, and Business Co-Founders
• Building Advisory Boards (Academia + Industry)
• Connecting with Accelerators & Incubators
• Lean Teams vs Academic Lab Teams
• Assignment:
  Create your ideal team structure + outreach plan for mentors/advisors

Module 6: Go-to-Market Strategy

Topics Covered:

• Market Entry Planning for Regulated & Emerging Markets
• Customer Segments & Early Adopters
• Branding & Positioning for Research Startups
• Channels: Direct Sales, B2B, Licensing, or Enterprise?
• Pilot Programs, Testbeds & Case Studies
• Practical Task:
  Draft your Go-To-Market Strategy using the LaunchPad Template

Module 7: Funding Your Startup

Topics Covered:

• Grants, Competitions & Innovation Vouchers
• Angel Investors, VCs & Deep Tech Funds
• Writing a Winning Pitch Deck
• Understanding Term Sheets & Cap Tables
• Government Support Programs (e.g. CRCs, SBIR/STTR, etc.)
• Downloadable:
  Investor Pitch Deck Template + Startup Grant Tracker

Module 8: Scaling from Lab to Market

Topics Covered:

• From Prototype to Product: The Tech Maturity Journey
• Building Manufacturing, Distribution & Regulatory Capacity
• Hiring for Growth (Sales, Ops, QA)
• Building Company Culture from Day 1
• Scaling Internationally: Pitfalls & Playbooks
• Final Project:
  Submit your ‘Lab-to-Launch Plan’ – A concise commercialization strategy presentation

Bonus Modules (Optional Add-ons):

• Spinout vs Startup: Which Route Should You Take?
• Raising Capital While Staying in Academia
• Sustainability & Social Impact for Research Startups
• Lab Notebooks to Lab Bench: Record-Keeping & Compliance

Course Format:

• Pre-recorded video lectures
• Case studies from university spinouts & research startups
• Expert interviews with TTO officers, VCs & entrepreneurs
• Downloadable worksheets & templates
• Private group access for Q&A and peer feedback
• Certificate of Completion