Nurturing and Managing Innovation in Science is designed to help emerging scientists understand the factors at play in the process of converting lab-based research into products and services that can have significant impact on society. The module includes attendees from the NanoDTC and the MPhil in Micro- and Nano- Technology Enterprise (MNTE). The module is designed and delivered by Prof. Karishma Jain, Co-Director of the NanoDTC.

The module is taught using an adaptation of the Challenge Based Learning approach, where students are in charge of iteratively focusing in to a specific challenge to work on during their Group Project, starting with a relatively diffuse idea in the beginning. Students learn to identify and analyse innovation opportunities, understand the competitive landscape and develop a business pitch based on one of their chosen innovation opportunities during this module. Throughout the module examples are drawn from innovation in recent startups and other materials / nano focussed deep tech companies.

Team work is central to the module – students work in assigned teams for a number of in-class exercises and build their own teams for the group projects.

"...beyond the skills and academic knowledge, the NMIS course served as a catalyst for self-exploration and an opportunity to reflect on the way I approach group work, overcome challenges or react when faced with adversity"
MPhil in MNTE Student2023-24
"Reflecting on the NMIS module, I find it has significantly broadened my horizons, more than I initially anticipated. This experience has not only opened me up to the possibilities within the realm of technology startups but has also been instrumental in challenging and expanding my views on scientific work."
NanoDTC Student2023-24
"I became acutely aware of the iterative nature of developing a viable business proposition, and how adaptable you must be regarding the creation of ideas. The constant need for validation through engaging with stakeholders and adapting based on feedback underscored the dynamic nature of entrepreneurial endeavours."
FIBE2 CDT Student2023-24
"Throughout this course, I’ve been exposed to new ideas, industries and insights into commercialising innovation in science. One of the major reasons why I joined the NanoDTC was to be in an environment that taught me about implementing scientific research in real life in new, exciting ways. Before starting, I thought that I would like to start a science start-up at some point. Now, I still would like to – but I understand so much more about what that would involve, and I have an idea of what I would and wouldn’t enjoy. I feel more prepared for it."
NanoDTC Student2018-19

NMIS Innovation Development Project

The NMIS Innovation Development Project is perhaps the most interesting, challenging and rewarding aspect of the module. Students start with self-assembling into teams after hearing short elevator pitches on the innovation opportunities identified by everyone in class. Within the project teams, students are expected to select an idea to work on, and to develop a viable business proposition around it.

Student teams have regular meetings with the module leader as well as their team mentor who is usually someone from industry who has relevant experience or knowledge of the chosen topic. Recent innovation development project topics have included:

  • MicroAST – A rapid test to combat infection
  • Carbon/Cement Supercapacitors for Wind Turbines and Chargeable Roads
  • Quantum Gate Technologies: Quantum Secure Authentication for Access Control 
  • Metal-Organic Framework-based Microplastics Filtration

 

A number of guest speakers are invited to talk to students as part of the course. Recent speakers have included:

  • Dr. Charlene Smith – Life-Friendly Chemistry Lead at Materiom
  • Prof. Russell Cowburn – Professor at the Department of Physics and co-founder of several science based startups including Durham Magneto Optics and Semarion
  • Dr. Matthew Griffiths – Founder and Chief Technology Officer, ConcR
  • Dr Alice Merryweather – Founder and Lead Scientist, Illumion

Stephanie Fraser, Tara Murphy, Dhruv Menon and Josiah Riley awarded the top prize at the LucEnt Challenge Enterprise Competition 2023, for DyCo, which has since led to the founding of Cambridge Chromatica

Erin Holdsworth, Tariq Hussein, Mia Charlesworth, Adrian Ho and Noppasorn Suphannarat presenting MOFTech Therapeutics at the Hughes Hall Enterprise Award Finals