Ateneo - UPO

The course unit aims to analyze the sequential phases and critical aspects of the technology transfer of scientific innovations achieved through new entrepreneurial ventures in the healthcare/biotech sector. The analysis will begin by identifying the role of the various actors that make up the science-based entrepreneurial ecosystem, with specific reference to the functions and activities of Technology Transfer Offices operating within universities and other public research institutions. The focus will then shift to the issues surrounding the management and commercialization of intellectual property rights, with a special emphasis on the creation of university spinoffs. Finally, the course will provide an in-depth examination of the main forms of financing for science-based startups across the different stages of their development.

Sets of slides, scientific articles, and other documents (reports, professional brochures) made available on the UPO DIR website during the course. For further reading, the following volume is recommended: Alemani, L. & Andreoli J. (Eds.), Entrepreneurial Finance: The Art and Science of Growing Ventures, Second Edition, Cambridge University Press, 2026.

The course unit is designed to provide students with an essential understanding of the activities involved in technology commercialization processes, as well as the related challenges and opportunities.
1. Knowledge and understanding. The course primarily aims to provide the key concepts, theoretical models, and practices in the field of technology transfer. It also aims to enable students to understand the main issues (cultural, operational, and regulatory) involved in technology transfer processes carried out within an entrepreneurial university ecosystem.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding. The course aims to develop students' ability to:
- actively contribute to the formulation of an action plan to transfer a scientific discovery from the lab to the market;
- collaborate with their TTOs as competent partners in advancing the development of laboratory discoveries.
3. Making judgements. The course aims to develop students' ability to:
- assess the role of institutional and cultural factors influencing the technology transfer process; and
- critically analyze and evaluate the key issues associated with initiating and managing this process.
4. Communication skills. Students will acquire the ability to understand and use the technical terminology employed by professionals in the field of technology transfer.
5. Learning skills. Students will become familiar with the main sources of information, including relevant websites."

None.

Traditional lectures will be complemented by group discussions, videos, case study analyses, and a guest lecture by a professional involved in the university spinoff process. Lectures will be based on PowerPoint slides available on the UPO DIR website.

Further information is available on the UPO DIR website. Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request dedicated support services and specific tools by contacting the Career Development and Student Services Staff and by consulting the dedicated page on the University website: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studentidisabili-e-dsa. Once they have contacted the relevant University Staff, students with disabilities, SLD, or SEN may get in touch with the tenured professor regarding the adaptation of examination modalities and instructional aspects.

The exam is held as part of the examination for the integrated course “Exploitation and Technological Transfer for cosmetics, nutraceutics, drugs, medical devices and advanced medicinal products” and consists of a written exam.

THE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROCESS AND THE ROLE OF KEY ACTORS:
- The technology transfer process and the role of universities and Public Research Institutions (PRIs).
- Types of technology transfer processes between universities/PRIs and industry.
- The university entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- The challenges inherent in adapting a context optimized for exploration to exploitation activities.
- Technology transfer through university spin-offs.
SCIENCE-BASED ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND STARTUP DYNAMICS:
- The unique characteristics of entrepreneurial ventures based on scientific discoveries.
- The variety of pathways and the speed of early growth in science-based firms.
- Critical success factors for university spin-offs.
- Startups: key features and vulnerabilities.
- The spin-out process.
BUSINESS PLANNING AND THE STARTUP LIFE CYCLE:
- Business model, financial model, and business plan.
- The life cycle of a science-based startup.
- Proof of Concept (PoC).
- The Business Model Canvas.
- Building a financial model.
- Drafting a business plan.
- Presenting to investors.
FUNDING SOURCES FOR THE LAUNCH AND SCALING OF ENTREPRENEURIAL VENTURES
- Financial requirements across the startup life cycle.
- Corporate finance choices and valuation challenges across the life cycle.
- Equity vs. debt financing.
- Grants as funding sources.
- Business Incubators and Accelerators.
- Business angels.
- Crowdfunding.
- Venture Capital and Corporate Venture Capital.
- Venture Debt.
- Investor decision-making processes.
- Building a short and medium-to-long-term fundraising strategy.
- Preparing an effective pitch for investors (Assignment).

Upon completion of the course unit, students will be able to demonstrate:
KNOWLEDGE: of the different phases of the technology transfer process, the nature and roles of the actors involved, and the managerial, technical, financial, and regulatory challenges associated with the launch and growth of science-based ventures.
COMPETENCIES: consisting in the ability to critically analyze opportunities and constraints within the context of technology transfer and commercialization, as well as the ability to establish an appropriate course of action for problem-solving.
TRANSVERSAL SKILLS: relating to the effective framing and communication of both the critical factors involved in technology transfer activities and their alternative solutions.