In February 2020, the Tools for Innovation in Health workshops, organized by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Office, returned in their third edition.
Last year, two editions were held: one aimed primarily at students and another at FMUL’s employees. In this third edition, taking into account the feedback from previous workshops, we realized that it would be interesting to bring together audiences and that the interaction between research students, lecturers and other staff from the most diverse areas, would be more productive. This is because the 6 workshops not only allow debating the theoretical components of innovation in its most diverse fields, but also give trainees the tools to be able to outline their innovative projects with a great practical component. In all workshops, participants think about specific projects using the tools provided, specifically in the field of Health, and they effectively create a project.
These workshops were attended by medical students, researchers and professors, which stimulated the discussion and, later, the quality of the projects. Throughout the process, several tools were used that allowed creating a business model, from the ideas to the conception of the value proposal. Finally, there was the presentation, in pitch format, of two innovations: an app for a sensitive area of nutrition and a medical device for specific hospital situations.
From the idea to the business model. 2nd and 3rd workshop tools (Value Proposition and Business Model)
Pitch time (4th Workshop)
After the first 4 workshops, which focused on the most practical part of innovation, another 2 of more operational nature ensued, centred on the implementation of the project: financing and intellectual property.
These two workshops are a great asset, especially for researchers with various affiliations, who want to apply for Calls and need to protect the intellectual property of their projects.
5th Workshop “I have a project, what now? Financing".
6th Workshop “I have a project, what now? Intellectual property".
As before, these workshops have had a very positive evaluation on the part of the participants, who find the practical component and the innovation and entrepreneurship issues very valuable, as often they are not included in their base courses and are vital in their practices, be it project management, as researchers or health professionals.
Thanks to all the participants for their enthusiasm. We hope to continue to bring this knowledge to all those interested in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Sónia Teixeira
Editorial team
