NOTE: As of March 16, 2020, this event has been canceled. Please stay tuned for the announcement of a future event date and application period.

The Bench-to-Business Boot Camp, hosted by Harvard's Office of Technology Development, is a two-day workshop on May 20 and 21 for Harvard PhD students and postdocs, designed to teach you the skills to recognize and convey the value of scientific and technological innovations to the world of industry, business, and entrepreneurship.

What's on the agenda?

An engaging series of lectures, interactive exercises, and panel discussions that provide you with an opportunity to participate in technology development and see the real-world applications of the skills you’ll develop. Topics will include*:

What is technology development?

Learn the purpose and history of university technology transfer, with an emphasis on real-world examples

Defining the value proposition

Learn how to define the value proposition for a technology and identify applicable markets

Intellectual property fundamentals

Build the skills to identify intellectual property and be able to find, navigate, and interpret patents

Communicating the value proposition

Learn how to effectively communicate the value proposition to potential licensees and partners

Best practices for connecting with partners

Find out what industry professionals seek when connecting with academics

Structuring the deal

Learn the various partnership models by which industry can engage with academics and their innovations

Building a business plan

Become familiar with the fundamental strategies for developing a business plan around an emerging technology

Elements of a great investor pitch

Learn the necessary components of an investor pitch deck, with an emphasis on crafting a narrative

Getting involved: The OTD Business Development Fellowship Program

Learn about the Fellowship program first-hand from current fellows

Careers in technology development

Hear from former Harvard researchers who have taken the leap into industry, business, law, technology development, and entrepreneurship

*Topics may be subject to change based on time limitations, participant feedback, etc.