Verification VFT-1

Purpose and goal

With the verification work, we aim to increase the efficiency and utilization of knowledge assets at Lund University and the Innovation Office South. We intended, and have started, to work more closely with UU and KI regarding processes, networking and best practice. We encourage student initiatives relevant to the VFT-investment and have been intensifying work with dedicated business coaches in specific environments through ´Innovation Officer´. Overall, we address the research environments from different angles to educate and inform about the possibilities of verification.

Results and expected effects

Until beginning of December the flow of ideas for 2013 amounted to 112. We have been working with evaluation approximately 60 applications for verification investment, of which 42 projects have received investment. With our increased focus on sense of urgency in the projects and the need for the inventor to drive the project we notice a great benefit in having had all business coaches educated in the 5 Disciplins of Innovation (SRI) in order to speak the same language and act in a unified way regarding process and expectations. The effect is focus on factors driving towards marketability.

Approach and implementation

Our process is carried out in iteration and gradual progression with great responsibility for the individual business coach, combined with peer assessment, and external experts, and the opportunity for feedback as the project increases in complexity and cost of verification investment. Initially we work with focus on market needs and work with market validation. For all projects, a milestone-based verification plan is sketched out initially. After completing the activity, the business coach reassess the situation before initiating the following activity.