Biotechnology YES Any Ideas Introduction Idea Generation What

Biotechnology YES Any Ideas?

Introduction § § § Idea Generation What has won before It doesn’t need to work What is your market Keep it simple Have something up your sleeve

Idea Generation First find a problem Going with what you know - Your research (a chance to share) - Your life Hot topics - What’s in the news (maybe not) Remember the idea is not that important

What has won before • A non-allergenic gluten replacement • Analysing blood chemistry with a hand-held device that harnesses fluorescing quantum dots • A genetically modified Hosta plant control slugs • To develop chiral amino acids as the basis for drugs • Combining distillation and fermentation for efficient ethanol production • Contact lenses for diabetics that change colour when their glucose levels change • Product that removes bird waste from buildings • Genetically modified grass that never needs cutting • A novel vaccine for Hepatitis C • Oral insulin-delivery system for the treatment of diabetes

It doesn’t need to work Theoretically possible yes, a genuine idea – probably easier if it isn’t A simple flaw that can be glossed over You’ve got a real ideatry a market alternative

What is your market § Ideas might be great but who will be paying for it? § The market need not be big but needs to be well defined

Keep it simple § Simple ideas are often the best § Prof Doug Newton a former lecturer in Science Education devised the Urine flow meter after being treated for a common problem

Have something up your sleeve Whatever your market is its great to have something to say you could do next. § Another market (new countries) § A related product § A new business model (franchise) § Takeover plans

Conclusion A straight forward idea, with a clear an well defined market will be easier to pitch Don’t worry if there is an obvious flaw in your idea that will be easier to overcome than a complex idea with no obvious problem