Innovator's Toolbox

Thursday, February 19, 2026 - 13:00 to 14:30

C210 (Center Building)

The Innovator’s Toolbox is a new pilot program designed to equip early-stage research teams with the knowledge and tools needed to explore startup pathways—while staying flexible enough to fit alongside ongoing research.

The program takes an exploratory approach: spinouts are one option, but participants will also learn about licensing and academic collaboration. Whether or not you plan to join the Lean Startup Training, the Innovator’s Toolbox is designed to benefit all inventors.

Program Structure

Bi-monthly sessions alternating between group trainings and check-ins
Exploratory approach covering multiple commercialization paths
Light-touch deliverables to put concepts into practice without heavy workload

Target audience

Anyone curious about commercializing technology
Proof of Concept (POC) program participants
Technology Pioneer Fellowship (TPF) participants
Researchers exploring the commercialization potential of their work

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, February 19, 2026
13:00-14:30
C210, Center Building

Program Calendar

Month	Topics/Activities
September	From Lab to Market Welcome & program overview, tech transfer & disclosures, licensing, researcher roles, business concepts, homework (impacted groups & needs)
October	Lean Startup Training: Customer Discovery Focus external trainers from George Washington University Oct 24–26 (in person at OIST)
November	Check-in session: updates on customer discovery Nov 5 & 18 online Lean Startup follow-ups Optional one-on-one coaching
December	Customer discovery & next steps: funding needs, validated business models, team formation & MVP, partnerships & traction
January 22	Founder & Business Fundamentals Building a company & culture, legal considerations (NDAs, MOUs, employees), team dynamics, customer discovery updates
February 19	Bringing It All Together \| 13:00-14:30 \| C210 Business thesis & elevator pitch, communicating to investors & stakeholders, funding options & timelines
March 5	Final Session \| 13:00-14:30 \| C700 Progress reports, final presentations, reflections & feedback, next steps

Expected Outcomes

Awareness of startup, licensing, and collaboration pathways
Practical deliverables such as early-stage slide decks, team plans, or lean canvases
Improved skills in pitching, team formation, and business fundamentals

How to Join

No registration required. Just add this event to your calendar and come by on February 19th. Feel free to invite other curious OISTers.

Questions

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

All-OIST Category:

Innovation