Innovator's Toolbox: From Lab to Market
Date
Location
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 July 9th, 2026 | 13:30-15:30 | C209 (Center Court) |
| September | Customer Discovery – Refining your value proposition and learning customer discovery fundamentals |
| October | Check-Ins – Individual coaching sessions with Josh to review value propositions and target customers |
| November | Customer Discovery and Next Steps – Business model development and understanding what is needed for funding readiness |
| December | Founder & Business Fundamentals – Founder mindset, fundraising strategy, legal considerations, and business infrastructure |
| January | Bringing It All Together – Fundraising review and pitch development |
| February | Final Pitch Presentations – Team presentations, feedback, reflections, and next steps |
Expected Outcomes
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
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)
Subscribe to the OIST Calendar: Right-click to download, then open in your calendar application.