5B12 – Entrepreneurship, University Spin-offs and IP Management

This module develops understanding and skills in entrepreneurship, focusing on the culture of university spin-offs and techniques for managing and protecting intellectual property (IP). Centred on Electrical Engineering, it presents examples and business cases in semiconductors, sensors, MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems), and Artificial Intelligence.

Core Topics

  • Deep-Tech University Research and Entrepreneurship: Exploration of how innovative concepts, creative theories, and experimental research lead to entrepreneurial thinking and the formation of spin-out companies.
  • Technical Foundations: Overview of power devices and sensors, along with examples of specific inventions in these fields.
  • Intellectual Property Management: Understanding how to deal with, value, protect, and manage IP, including patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and copyrights.
  • Business Models in Electrical Engineering: Examination of models relevant to engineering start-ups and scale-ups.
  • Entrepreneurial Practices: Networking, raising funding, applying for public projects, conducting market research, identifying technology market fit, commercialisation, and building sustainable businesses.
  • Case Studies: Examples of Cambridge University start-ups, tracing their journeys from foundation through early challenges (“valley of death”) to maturity and potential trade exit.

Guest Lectures
The module will include possibly 2–3 invited lectures from Cambridge entrepreneurs, investors or angels, and patent attorneys, offering real-world insights into entrepreneurship and IP management.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, you will:

  • Understand the entrepreneurial process from research innovation to spin-off creation.
  • Recognise the importance of IP management in engineering ventures.
  • Be familiar with business models and commercialisation strategies relevant to electrical engineering.
  • Gain awareness of real-world examples of university spin-offs and start-up growth paths.
  • Appreciate the roles of funding, networking, and IP protection in building sustainable technology businesses.