Knowledge commercialisation is not just a theoretical challenge - it is a systemic chain of change that requires a clear vision, strategic thinking and international support. This summer, four researchers from the University of Latvia (UL), members of the BioPhoT platform, started this journey by participating in the international innovation programme Latvia-Cambridge Venture Camp Cambridge, UK.
"BioPhoT research team, scientists from the University of Latvia - Artis Kinēns, Zane Šmite, Juris Prikulis and Annija Emersone - spent a week in one of the world's strongest innovation environments to learn how to take a high-value scientific idea and turn it into a viable technology - with clear applications, market insight and long-term development potential.
During the programme, researchers took part in intensive training sessions focusing on the relevance of the product to market needs (product-market fit), investment attraction strategies, clear and effective presentation of ideas, sustainable start-up team building and networking between science and industry. The Cambridge experience gave researchers the opportunity to see where their innovation ideas sit in the wider science ecosystem.
In addition to lectures and work with mentors, the BioPhoT team visited a number of major science centres - the Bio-Innovation Centre at Cambridge Science Park (Cambridge Science Park), Allia Future Business Centre - social entrepreneurship centre Judge Business School and Institute for Manufacturing.
One of the most important benefits was meeting David Chaplin, head of the Bio-Innovation Centre. During the meeting, laboratory infrastructure options and potential forms of cooperation were discussed. This gave researchers a closer understanding of how the boundaries between science and business can become more transparent, laying the groundwork for practical implementation of ideas.
The programme culminated in presentations of ideas by researchers from the University of Anglia Ruskin University at the Science Centre in front of an international audience of investors, entrepreneurs and academic experts. "The BioPhoT team received valuable feedback to help define the next steps of development more precisely, including a clearer commercialisation strategy. The programme was organised by CONNECT Latvia in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University and Professor Alan Burrell (Alan Barrell) and a team of researchers from the University of Latvia took part in it as part of the international activities of the BioPhoT platform. Overall Latvia-Cambridge Venture Camp 20 Latvian start-ups, researchers and students participated in the programme, which gave them the opportunity to cross traditional research boundaries and bring Latvian scientific ideas to the international innovation space. "The experience of the BioPhoT team shows that with the right support, vision and international collaboration, Latvian science can create solutions that have not only theoretical value, but also real relevance for society.
