Module overview
Working in an entrepreneurial context requires a different set of skills to those generally required in an academic or corporate environment. There is more emphasis on being self-reliant, being a creative problem-solver and planning your own path. It is often the case that progress must be made when there are only scant resources available. This requires creativity, efficiency, agility, making decisions when there is only partial information and where substantial uncertainty remains, proceeding by trial and error, learning from experience and mistakes; these are all essential skills. Dealing with setbacks requires resilience and determination. However, being entrepreneurial can be immensely rewarding if your innovations are successful and change the world for the better. This module will provide you with an entrepreneurial skillset that can support your future career as change makers in the MedTech sector and beyond.
This module will provide you with the tools and skills to evaluate innovations and possible commercialisation through a responsible business lens, developing an understanding of what it takes to develop a credible business plan, work with investors and other industrial partners, understanding how to protect your intellectual property and when to create something that is open access, and mapping your business development plan against the required regulatory pathways. You will be supported throughout by business mentors – successful entrepreneurs from the MedTech sector – who will provide insights, suggestions and thoughtful discussions within your team projects. You will be trained in how to communicate ideas in various ways and for different purposes (written, investor pitches, academic presentations and group discussions).
The learning and assessment from this module will be integrated with modules UK Healthcare Innovation & Design and Global Health Innovation & Design through context-dependent application of the materials. The relevant context dependent learning outcomes of this module will be assessed together with the learning outcomes of both the UK and Global projects.