I-O Inspire Programme Spring 2026

I-O Inspire is a free eight-week in-person programme designed to equip you with essential skills and insights for realising the commercial potential of your research or business idea.

The sessions, led by UCLB Business Managers featuring guest speakers, will break down the different commercialisation pathways and help you view your research and business ideas through the lens of the ‘market’.

Dates and Format

The Spring intake will run from 29 April – 23 June, with sessions being held each Wednesday from 12.30-2.00pm (with the exception of Wednesday 27 May).

Each session covers a different aspect of the commercial journey and features a group activity to help re-enforce key learnings as well as a light lunch intended to let you network with similarly minded academics. Participants in the programme will have a chance to discuss their business or product ideas, whilst challenging themselves and each other in a friendly environment to identify and explore viable market opportunities for their innovations.

The programme culminates in our pitch event on Tuesday 23 June from 4-7 pm at Base Kx where attendees can present a 3-minute pitch of their business ideas or technology to the rest of the cohort, UCLB business managers and members of the ecosystem. The pitches will be followed by a networking session.

Eligibility

While having a business idea in mind would put you in a good position to get the most out of the course, there is no prerequisite to have an idea in mind when you join.

The programme is designed to provide you with tools to assess the opportunity in any idea you may have in the future. Additionally, there is no obligation to move forward with a commercialisation project at the end of the programme, although we hope you will!

Registration is currently open for UCL academics and research staff only. The programme is not intended for students, though we may consider applications from PhD students recommended by a member of staff who has been accepted onto the programme.

Apply

To join, please click on the registration button and provide the required information. Ensure that you complete the entire form, as we have additional questions to verify your eligibility. Due to limited spaces, we will review your application before confirming your participation. We aim to get back to you quickly.