NOVA Science2Market

Application Form - Apply by March 26th, 2025

What is NOVA Science2Market?

The programme aims to accelerate knowledge transfer at NOVA by supporting scientists with technological or scientific breakthroughs in finding the optimal path for commercialisation. The program offers one-on-one guidance to develop effective go-to-market strategies, transforming research results into impactful innovations. This innovative program is designed to ignite the potential of scientific research and transform groundbreaking ideas into successful entrepreneurial ventures. Hosted by NOVA University Lisbon and supported by the collaborative efforts of NOVA Knowledge Transfer Offices (KTO) (NOVA Impact – Rectorate, IRIS – NOVA FCT, InnoValue – NMS and Innovation Unit – ITQB NOVA), this initiative provides a robust platform for Ph.D. students, researchers, and innovators to accelerate their journey from scientific discovery to market-ready innovations.

Some of its key features are:

Comprehensive Support Framework: Utilizing the KTH Innovation Readiness Level ^® tool (IRL), the accelerator guides idea development, providing structure and support across key dimensions. Participants will assess their ideas’ status and develop tailored roadmaps to drive progress.
Masterclasses: Participants engage in half-day online or in-person masterclasses open to the entire NOVA community, covering critical topics such as finance, intellectual property, team building, and regulatory matters.
Coaching: Benefit from personalized coaching from experienced KTO staff which will follow the project development and help participants setting the goals.
Mentoring: Have access to specific mentorship from experienced NOVA Mentor Network, and external partners. These experts will offer specific insights to refine and advance participants’ projects.

Participants will:

Receive ongoing support and follow-up from experts at NOVA and program partners with extensive experience in knowledge and technology transfer and business development.
Have a dedicated coach to monitor their progress, accompany their journey and facilitate networking opportunities.
Participate in meetings with knowledgeable mentors who will give valuable advice and help to unlock obstacles.
Obtain feedback and guidance from venture capitalists and science-based entrepreneurs.
Have access to the NOVA Mentor Network and external partners.
Connect with various NOVA schools and research labs according to specific needs.

Who can apply?

Participants can apply as a team or individually if engaged in technological or scientific projects with some concrete results that can be explored in the context of the program (patent, groundbreaking results, etc.).
Teams must include, at least, a member from NOVA University Lisbon, and the technology or scientific breakthrough should have been developed, either partially or entirely, at NOVA.
Individuals applying must be affiliated with NOVA University Lisbon, such as Ph.D. students, professors, researchers, postdoctoral fellows, etc..

What are the key goals of NOVA Science2Market?

Identify and evaluate the most promising market opportunities/potential clients for the proposed technology or scientific breakthrough, focusing on scalability potential (business model development).
Assess and decide the optimal commercialisation pathway for emerging technologies or scientific breakthroughs, including options such as licensing or spin-off ventures, and ensuring proper intellectual property (IP) protection and strategy.
Foster the creation of new business opportunities grounded in scientific research.
Facilitate the transformation of NOVA’s technologies or scientific breakthroughs into economic and social value.
Equip participants with the mindset and skills needed to generate socioeconomic value from their research.

Programme's Expectations

During this program, participants will:

Elaborate a Development Report, encompassing an analysis of the status of technology or scientific breakthrough, assessment of IP considerations where relevant, evaluation of competitive landscape, outline of a suitable business model, and recommendations for future actions, based on the KTH IRL ^®.
Develop or strengthen expertise relevant to transform research results into new products or services.
Recruit business-savvy members to complement the team (when applicable to individual applicants or teams lacking such ability).
Present their project outcomes to a panel of experts from business and venture capital.

The NOVA Science2Market programme is designed as a hands-on experience where participants take the lead in driving their projects forward. Most of the work will be carried out by the participants themselves, ensuring they actively engage in validating their ideas, developing their business strategies, and exploring commercialization pathways. The role of the coaches — comprising NOVA’s Technology Transfer Offices (TTO) staff — will be to act as facilitators, providing guidance, resources, and mentorship to help participants navigate the process effectively. Rather than executing tasks on behalf of the teams, the coaches will support them in refining their approaches, connecting with key stakeholders, and overcoming challenges.

Success in this programme requires a strong commitment from participants. Engaging fully in the activities, meeting deadlines, and proactively applying the feedback provided by the coaches are essential to making meaningful progress. By taking ownership of their projects, participants will maximize the value of the programme and enhance their chances of successfully bringing their innovations to market.

Innovation Masterclasses

Innovation Masterclasses will take place online every Wednesday, from April 9th to May 21st, and are open to the entire NOVA community upon registration. Attendance is mandatory for at least one team member from each selected NOVA Science2Market project.

These sessions provide essential knowledge in key areas such as market analysis, intellectual property, and financial planning, equipping you with the skills to successfully bring your innovation to market.

For the full schedule, speaker lineup, and details on each session, visit the Innovation Masterclasses page.