Intensive Training: Entrepreneurship in Photonics

Today the two week seminar for business development in Photonics starts in Brussels. It is organized by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and “Photonics 4 Life”. Until the 5th of February the participants will learn in three modules not only about economic essentials but also about the special conditions within the photonics market. Photonics entrepreneurs and professionals will accompany the whole workshop to share their experiences and give advice. Eager attendees will also get the opportunity to set up a supervised business plan based on their own ideas.

The three modules are the following:

Module 1 Introduction to Business Economics (3 days)

Today the two week seminar for business development in Photonics starts in Brussels. It is organized by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and “Photonics 4 Life”. Until the 5th of February the participants will learn in three modules not only about economic essentials but also about the special conditions within the photonics market. Photonics entrepreneurs and professionals will accompany the whole workshop to share their experiences and give advice. Eager attendees will also get the opportunity to set up a supervised business plan based on their own ideas.

The first module covers an introduction to business economics and high tech entrepreneurship. It is aimed at young professionals with limited economic background. The module provides an introduction to a wide range of disciplines: understanding the structure and dynamics of industrial sectors, financial management and venture capital, intellectual property rights and other legal aspects, team and HR aspects, entrepreneurial marketing, strategy and management.

Module 2 Business aspects of Photonics

Module 2 provides young professionals with an overview of the photonics markets and the typical business aspects associated with these markets. Several sectors, where photonics plays an enabling role, are addressed, including those related to health and life sciences. Since the training is organized in the context of Photonics 4 Life, the European Network of Excellence on Biophotonics, a special focus is placed on the application of light in life sciences and in the medical sector. In order to get a better understanding and to make it more ‘real-life’, testimonials and business cases are included in the program, where photonics entrepreneurs & professionals will share their ideas and experiences with you. We continuously apply the concepts introduced in the first module.

Module 3 Business plan (2 days)

The third module lasts 2 days and provides concrete guidance to potential entrepreneurs on how to prepare and negotiate a business plan.

For more information, please send an email to Tom Guldemont, the coordinator of this intensive training (tom.guldemont@vub.ac.be) and to Bernadette Callebaut (bcallebaut@tona.vub.ac.be)

For a detailed programme, please go to the following link:
http://www.photonics4life.eu/P4L/Events/Intensive-training-on-Entrepreneurship-in-Photonics