Pitch yourself into commercial battle

Australian scientists and researchers interested in commercialising their research are being encouraged to attend a two-day 'commercialisation bootcamp' being held around the country next year.

The Australian Institute for Commercialisation's (AIC's) commercialisation bootcamp aims to introduce participants to the commercialisation process, including how to best structure a research program for commercial outcomes, develop a pitch for potential investors and realise market potential.

AIC chief executive officer Dr Rowan Gilmore said the program had been designed to build specific skills in research commercialisation.

"In today's economic climate the imperative to commercialise research and development is no longer an issue limited to the private sector," Gilmore said.

"Hundreds of potential ideas fall over as start-up businesses and research organisations don't adequately pitch their ideas by clearly translating their thoughts into the language of investors."

"Getting in front of a potential investor is a challenge in itself, so any experience that can be gained could make a significant difference."

Specifically designed for research personnel, commercialisation managers and officers, the bootcamp is a practical introduction to the key principles and issues related to commercialising research.

The hands-on development of a hypothetical project is a key focus of the program, asking participants to outline a marketing strategy, determine steps necessary to further commercialisation, and define intellectual property (IP) and its protection.

These tasks culminate in the development of an investor strategy, followed by the preparation and delivery of an 'Investment Pitch' to a mock investment panel.

"This workshop provides an excellent opportunity for interested parties to develop the knowledge and skills needed to deliver commercial outcomes," he said. "The goal is not to turn researchers into commercial business people; it is to raise their awareness so they can add value to the process."

2007 AIC Commercialisation Bootcamp dates:

Adelaide - 25 & 26 April - Stamford Plaza (TBC) Sydney - 16 & 17 May - Portside Centre Brisbane - 18 & 19 July - Brisbane Technology Park Perth - 8 & 9 August - venue TBA Melbourne - 17&18 October - venue TBA

Bookings are essential. For more information on the AIC's Commercialisation Bootcamp program please contact Aimee Cowan at the Australian Institute for Commercialisation on (07) 3853 5292, email aimee.cowan@ausicom.com, or visit the website at www.ausicom.com.