Innovator's Toolbox: From Lab to Market

Date

Thursday, July 9, 2026 - 13:30 to 15:30

Location

C209 (Center Court)

Description

The Innovator’s Toolbox is OIST Innovation’s structured commercialization education program designed to help participants explore how research can move from lab to market.

Through monthly sessions held from July through March, participants build foundational knowledge across startup creation, licensing, customer discovery, business fundamentals, and commercialization strategy. Sessions are intentionally designed to build on one another, so participants are strongly encouraged to join from the first session to gain the full benefit of the program.

Whether you are exploring startup pathways, considering licensing opportunities, or simply want to better understand how research commercialization works, the Innovator’s Toolbox provides practical guidance in a supportive, exploratory environment.

Program Structure

  • Monthly sessions from July–March
  • Curriculum designed to progress sequentially, building on concepts each month
  • Practical, commercialization-focused training tailored for research innovators
  • Optional office hours and coaching support available throughout the program

Target audience

Open to all members of the OIST community interested in innovation and commercialization, including:

  • Students
  • Researchers
  • Administrators
  • Proof of Concept (POC) participants
  • Technology Pioneer Fellowship (TPF) participants
  • Anyone curious about startup, licensing, or collaboration pathways

Trainer

We are excited to welcome Josh Green as the lead trainer. Josh is the former Director of the Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP) at George Mason University and the Virginia SBDC. He has extensive experience supporting innovation-driven startups across the U.S., Asia, and Europe, and is known for his engaging, hands-on mentoring style.

Next Session

Thursday, July 9, 2026
13:30-15:30
C209, Center Court

Program Calendar

Date Topic
July From Lab to Market – Program overview, commercialization pathways, technology transfer, and the innovation timeline
July 9th, 2026 | 13:30-15:30 | C209 (Center Court)
August Lean Startup Introduction – Introduction to Lean Startup, key business concepts, customer segmentation, and value proposition development
August 13th, 2026 | 13:30-15:30 | C209 (Center Court)
September Lean Startup – Preparing to jump into customer discovery
September 3rd, 2026 | 13:30-15:30 | C210 (Center Court)
October Lean Startup Interviews and Check-Ins – Individual coaching sessions with your assigned mentors to review customer discovery interview progress and target potential customers
November Customer Discovery and Next Steps - Understanding how customer discovery changes over time, a review of the Business Model Canvas, and preparing for funding
December Customer Discovery Wrap-up– Present your experience, take-aways, and what you have done since the program ended
January Founder & Business Fundamentals – Founder mindset, fundraising strategy, legal considerations, and business infrastructure
February Bringing It All Together – Fundraising review and pitch development
March Final Pitch Presentations – Team presentations, feedback, reflections, and next steps

Key Objectives

Participants will leave with:

  • A stronger understanding of startup, licensing, and collaboration pathways
  • Familiarity with Lean Startup and customer discovery methodologies
  • Improved skills in pitching, business strategy, and team formation
  • Early-stage commercialization materials such as business theses, canvases, and pitch content

How to Join

Upcoming sessions will be advertised on the TV screens around campus and in the weekly event emails. Reminder emails will be sent out to previous attendees announcing each session.

Participants are encouraged to join from the first session in July to maximize the value of the sequential curriculum. No registration required. Feel free to invite other curious OISTers.

Questions

Contact OIST Innovation's Venture Development Section at vd@oist.jp (Attn: Caitlin Clouse)

All-OIST Category: 
Innovation

Subscribe to the OIST Calendar: Right-click to download, then open in your calendar application.