I-O Inspire - Autumn 2026 programme
A free weekly lunchtime programme for UCL academics looking to explore the commercial potential of their research.
I-O Inspire is a free eight-week in-person programme designed to equip you with essential skills and insights for realising the commercial potential of your research or business idea.
The sessions, led by UCL Ventures Managers featuring guest speakers, will break down the different commercialisation pathways and help you view your research and business ideas through the lens of the ‘market’.
Dates and Format
The Autumn intake will run from 7 October - 2 December, with sessions being held each Wednesday from 12.30-2.00pm. (with exception of Wednesday 28 October)
Each session covers a different aspect of the commercial journey and features a group activity to help re-enforce key learnings, as well as a light lunch intended to let you network with similarly minded academics. Participants in the programme will have a chance to discuss their business or product ideas, whilst challenging themselves and each other in a friendly environment to identify and explore viable market opportunities for their innovations.
The programme culminates in our pitch event on Wednesday 2 December from 4-7 pm where attendees can present a 3-minute pitch of their business ideas or technology to the rest of the cohort, UCL Ventures Business Managers and members of the ecosystem. The pitches will be followed by a networking session.
Eligibility
While having a business idea in mind would put you in a good position to get the most out of the course, there is no prerequisite to have an idea when you join.
The programme is designed to provide you with tools to assess the opportunity in any idea you may have in the future. Additionally, there is no obligation to move forward with a commercialisation project at the end of the programme, although we hope you will!
Registration is open for UCL academics and research staff only from 13 July. The programme is not intended for students, though we may consider applications from PhD students recommended by a member of staff who has been accepted onto the programme.
