Target Audience

Late stage postgraduate research students

Early career researchers (within 5 years of obtaining their PhD)

Those who are interested in learning about the commercialisation of research ideas or how to start their own business.

The Scheme is open to participants of all ages.

Process

A half-day introductory event on March 28th 2012 followed by a 3-day residential course.

PLEASE NOTE BEFORE REGISTERING THAT YOU WILL NEED TO ATTEND ALL 3 DAYS OF THE RESIDENTIAL COURSE ON 25th, 26th+27th APRIL 2012  TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR TRAINING POINTS AND TO RECEIVE AN UPDATED ATTENDANCE RECORD.  PLEASE ENSURE YOU CAN COMMIT TO THIS BEFORE REGISTERING.

Meals and accommodation are provided.

Description

Sustainability YES is a competition which raises awareness of the commercialisation of interdisciplinary ideas among researchers. Sustainability is a concept that deals with human impact, meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability YES is open to researchers from all disciplines with an interest in environmental protection, sustainable economic growth, social equity and business.

Introductory event: This session involves the formation of interdisciplinary teams of 4-5 researchers, followed by activities to generate commercially exploitable ideas around the theme of sustainability.

Residential event: Teams hear from leading figures in business and industry about aspects of business including

• the requirements of a business plan
• intellectual property, parenting and copyright
• raising and managing finance
• commercial and marketing strategies
• case histories of spin-out companies and business development

With the help of expert mentors, they use this knowledge to prepare a business plan presentation for an "imaginary" start-up company.  On the final day the participants pitch their business plan to a panel of business, financial and academic experts taking the role of investors.  The winning team receives £3,000 for research-related travel.

Aims

The competition aims to encourage an entrepreneurial culture in the University of Nottingham’s research community, and provide experience of working in an interdisciplinary team.

Feedback from participants

"The format of the event was truly excellent and some of the Speakers truly inspirational"

"I learnt financial skills, I learnt how to make a business plan, I learnt how to control emotion, to work in a team"

"The opportunities for learning are vast here"

"The event was actually life changing for me and made me question the way I am thinking about my future career"

Related courses

Engineering Young Entrepreneurs Scheme