What you'll learn

A systematic approach to the technology commercialization process
How to match customer needs with promising technologies
How to access technologies for commercialization and generate new use scenarios
How to evaluate the readiness of a technology based on market and team readiness
How to align business plans and operating models to markets and technology
How to rate and rank ideas based on feedback from customers and experts

Course description

Universities, government labs, and private companies invest billions of dollars in the research and development of breakthrough technologies that have the potential to transform industries and lives — but very few of these technologies ever leave the lab. Those that do often fail to find compelling market applications. So what determines success? How does an invention become an enduring innovation?

In this introductory course, developed in collaboration with the Laboratory for Innovation Science at Harvard and the University of California San Diego, you’ll explore how entrepreneurs match promising technology with customer needs to launch successful new businesses. Using real-world examples, you’ll apply critical thinking to find the best way to translate and commercialize lab technologies, and you’ll learn about the venture creation process from founders, funders, and industry experts.

Join us to learn a systematic process for technology commercialization to bring cutting-edge innovations out of the lab and into the world.

Course outline

Launching Breakthrough Technologies
Generating Use Scenarios
Determining Readiness
Developing Business and Operating Models
Gathering and Incorporating Feedback
Communicating Your Ideas and Securing Funding

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Instructors

Karim Lakhani
Charles Edward Wilson Professor of Business Administration, Harvard University
Vish Krishnan
Jacobs Family Chair in Management and Engineering Leadership, University of California San Diego