Foster and Support Entrepreneurship in Earth-Science

Spring 2025

Dr Julien Levallois, UNIGE

Dr Julien Levallois, UNIGE Dre Christina Hertel, UNIGE Intervenant-es potentiel-les: Elsa Callini, UniBE, Innovation Office James Miners, Fongit Emmanuel de Watteville, Fongit Sonia Scarselli, BHP Xplor (Zoom) Matthias Kugele, Katzarov Olivier Deloche, Université de Genève, Unitec Venturelab, ESA BIC, Innosuiss

The field of Earth Sciences, with its diverse range of disciplines such as volcanology, geophysics, and environmental science, offers an abundance of opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship, especially now that climate change is pushing our society to transition to the production of renewable energy. As PhDs in this field, your extensive knowledge and research skills for understanding the Earth's processes can be harnessed beyond academia to create real-world impact. Entrepreneurship in Earth Sciences is about taking your scientific expertise and translating it into practical solutions, products, or services that address pressing environmental and geological challenges. In this workshop, students will discover how to bridge the gap between research and application, transforming a scientific discovery into a viable (for-profit or non-profit) business. Entrepreneurship in Earth Sciences encompasses a spectrum of possibilities, from launching startups that develop innovative geotechnological tools, to offering consulting services in environmental risk assessment, or even engaging in sustainable resource management. This introduction to entrepreneurship will explore the fundamental concepts, strategies, and resources required to embark on this exciting path. You'll learn how to identify opportunities, secure funding, navigate regulatory considerations, and build a network of collaborators to drive your entrepreneurial endeavors. Program (subject to changes and adaptations) Day 1: Understanding the Landscape of (Earth Sciences) Entrepreneurship Session 1: Welcome and Introduction (Morning) - Overview of the workshop and its objectives. - Ice-breaking and participant introductions. - Importance of entrepreneurship. Session 2: Ideation and Opportunity Identification (Morning) - Brainstorming session on potential entrepreneurial opportunities. - Techniques for identifying market needs (Problem) and customer pain points (Design Thinking). Session 3: From Research to Innovation (Afternoon) - Discussing how to leverage Earth Sciences research for entrepreneurial endeavors. - Case studies of successful Earth Sciences startups. - Group activity: Developing a hypothetical entrepreneurial project based on research (Design Thinking). Session 4: Networking and Collaboration (Afternoon) - Importance of building a network in the field. - Interactive session on effective networking strategies. - Guest speaker: Successful Earth Sciences entrepreneur sharing their experiences (BHP Xplor, Sonia Scarselli). Day 2: Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey Session 5: Funding and Financial Planning (Morning) - How to fund my startup? - Budgeting, financial planning, and grant writing. - Guest speaker: A representative from a funding agency (BRIDGE). Session 6: Tech Transfer, Regulatory and Legal Considerations (Morning) - Discussion on the legal aspects and regulations relevant to Earth Sciences entrepreneurship. - Intellectual property rights and patenting. - Q&A session with a TT/legal expert. Session 7: Business Models and Marketing (Afternoon) - Introduction to different business models. - Marketing strategies and building a brand. - Group activity: Crafting a business model canvas for participants' hypothetical projects. Session 8: Pitching and Presentation (Afternoon) - Preparing an effective pitch. - Pitching competition: Participants present their hypothetical projects. - Feedback and evaluation from the facilitators and experts. Session 9: Next Steps and Resources (Afternoon) - Developing an action plan for participants' real or hypothetical projects. - Resources, incubators, and support available for Earth Sciences entrepreneurs. Workshop conclusion, feedback collection, and certificates distri

UNIGE

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