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Karim Lakhani
and
Vish Krishnan
Universities, government labs, and private companies invest billions of dollars in the research and development of breakthrough technologies that have the potential to transform industries and lives — but very few of these technologies ever leave the lab. Those that do often fail to find compelling market applications. So what determines success? How does an invention become an enduring innovation?
Read more
Universities, government labs, and private companies invest billions of dollars in the research and development of breakthrough technologies that have the potential to transform industries and lives — but very few of these technologies ever leave the lab. Those that do often fail to find compelling market applications. So what determines success? How does an invention become an enduring innovation?
Read more
Universities, government labs, and private companies invest billions of dollars in the research and development of breakthrough technologies that have the potential to transform industries and lives — but very few of these technologies ever leave the lab. Those that do often fail to find compelling market applications. So what determines success? How does an invention become an enduring innovation?
In this introductory course, developed in collaboration with the Laboratory for Innovation Science at Harvard and the University of California San Diego, you’ll explore how entrepreneurs match promising technology with customer needs to launch successful new businesses. Using real-world examples, you’ll apply critical thinking to commercialize technologies, and you’ll learn about the venture creation process from founders, funders, and industry experts.
Join us to learn a systematic process for technology commercialization to bring cutting-edge innovations out of the lab and into the world.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/00leeo/technology
What's inside
Learning objectives
- A systematic approach to technology entrepreneurship
- How to generate new use scenarios by matching customer needs with promising technology seeds
- How to align business and operating models
- How to evaluate a technology for readiness and market fit
- How to position opportunities to secure funding
- A systematic approach to technology entrepreneurship
- How to generate new use scenarios by matching customer needs with promising technology seeds
- How to align business and operating models
- How to evaluate a technology for readiness and market fit
- How to position opportunities to secure funding
Syllabus
Section 1: Problem Solving and Systematic Innovation
Section 2: Matching Needs and Seeds
Section 3: Generating Business and Operating Models
Section 4: Determining Readiness and Market Fit
Read more
Syllabus
Section 1: Problem Solving and Systematic Innovation
Section 2: Matching Needs and Seeds
Section 3: Generating Business and Operating Models
Section 4: Determining Readiness and Market Fit
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Provides a deep dive into technology commercialization, which is crucial for bringing groundbreaking innovations to market
Instructors Karim Lakhani and Vish Krishnan are recognized for their work in innovation and commercialization
Utilizes real-world examples to make lessons practical and relatable to learners
Offers opportunities to learn from industry experts, founders, and funders, providing valuable insights
Provides a comprehensive overview of the technology commercialization process, from identifying promising technologies to securing funding
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Reviews summary
Systematic approach to tech entrepreneurship
According to learners, this course provides a positive, systematic framework for understanding how to bring technological innovations from the lab to the market. Students highlight the useful real-world examples and case studies which effectively illustrate the concepts. The course structure is generally well-received, offering a clear path through the complex process of venture creation, from matching needs with technology to evaluating market fit and seeking financing. While many appreciate the high-level overview and found it helpful for gaining foundational knowledge, some reviews indicate it may lack depth in certain specialized areas like financial modeling or specific market analysis techniques, suggesting it serves best as a strong introduction rather than an exhaustive guide.
Opinion split on practicality vs theory.
"I found the course balanced theory with practical application quite well."
"Some parts felt a bit too theoretical and less focused on hands-on execution."
"For someone from a purely technical background, it offered good business theory."
"I was hoping for more 'how-to' practical advice, but it focused more on the 'what and why'."
Excellent for beginners or those new to the field.
"This course is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in technology entrepreneurship."
"Provides a solid foundation for understanding the complex process."
"A great introduction to the fundamentals of bringing innovation out of the lab."
"I came into this with limited knowledge and felt the course gave me a strong base."
Valuable insights from actual case studies.
"The case studies and examples of real companies trying to commercialize technology were excellent and very informative."
"Hearing from actual founders and funders provided invaluable real-world perspective."
"Using real-world examples helped solidify my understanding of the concepts."
"The course's strength lies in its application of theory to actual business scenarios."
Provides a clear, step-by-step approach.
"The systematic process presented in this course is incredibly helpful for demystifying technology commercialization."
"I appreciated the structured approach to evaluating technology opportunities and matching them with customer needs."
"It gives you a solid framework from 'lab' to 'market'."
"This course provided me with a practical, step-by-step framework that I can apply to my own ventures."
Might not cover all topics in detail.
"While a great overview, I felt it could have gone deeper into areas like intellectual property or detailed financial projections."
"It's a good introduction, but you'll need to seek other resources for more advanced or specific topics."
"Could use more in-depth coverage on complex topics or specific market entry strategies."
"I wish there had been more detail on the legal aspects of tech commercialization."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Technology Entrepreneurship: Lab to Market with these
activities:
Compile a Glossary of Machine Learning Terms
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Enhance your understanding of machine learning terminology by compiling a comprehensive glossary.
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-
Gather definitions from textbooks, online resources, and research papers
-
Organize the terms alphabetically or by category
Review Key Concepts from Statistics
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Refresh your knowledge of foundational statistical concepts to bolster your success in this course.
Browse courses on
Statistics
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-
Review notes and materials from a statistics course
-
Complete practice problems on probability, sampling, and hypothesis testing
Read 'An Introduction to Statistical Learning'
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of statistical modeling and machine learning by reading this foundational text.
View
An Introduction to Statistical Learning: with...
on Amazon
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-
Read the first three chapters, focusing on the basics of supervised and unsupervised learning
-
Analyze real-world datasets using the methods outlined in the book
Five other activities
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Solve Coding Challenges on LeetCode
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Strengthen your coding skills by tackling challenging problems on LeetCode.
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Python
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-
Focus on solving problems related to machine learning and data analysis
-
Time yourself to improve your problem-solving speed and efficiency
Build a Machine Learning Model using Python
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Apply your knowledge by building a practical machine learning model from scratch.
Browse courses on
Machine Learning
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-
Identify a suitable dataset for your project
-
Clean and prepare the data using Python libraries
-
Explore different machine learning algorithms and select the best model for your data
Join a Machine Learning Study Group
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Join a study group to engage with fellow learners, share knowledge, and tackle challenges together.
Browse courses on
Machine Learning
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-
Find or create a study group with individuals who share similar interests
-
Meet regularly to discuss course materials, projects, and research papers
Connect with Machine Learning Professionals
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Seek guidance and support from experienced professionals in the field of machine learning.
Browse courses on
Machine Learning
Show steps
-
Attend industry events or online meetups to connect with potential mentors
-
Reach out to professors or researchers in your field
Explore Machine Learning Courses on Coursera
Show steps
Expand your knowledge by completing additional machine learning courses on Coursera.
Browse courses on
Machine Learning
Show steps
-
Identify a course that aligns with your interests and learning goals
-
Follow the course lectures, complete assignments, and participate in discussions
Compile a Glossary of Machine Learning Terms
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of machine learning terminology by compiling a comprehensive glossary.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather definitions from textbooks, online resources, and research papers
- Organize the terms alphabetically or by category
Review Key Concepts from Statistics
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of foundational statistical concepts to bolster your success in this course.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes and materials from a statistics course
- Complete practice problems on probability, sampling, and hypothesis testing
Read 'An Introduction to Statistical Learning'
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of statistical modeling and machine learning by reading this foundational text.
View
An Introduction to Statistical Learning: with...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the first three chapters, focusing on the basics of supervised and unsupervised learning
- Analyze real-world datasets using the methods outlined in the book
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Solve Coding Challenges on LeetCode
Show steps
Strengthen your coding skills by tackling challenging problems on LeetCode.
Browse courses on
Python
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Focus on solving problems related to machine learning and data analysis
- Time yourself to improve your problem-solving speed and efficiency
Build a Machine Learning Model using Python
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by building a practical machine learning model from scratch.
Browse courses on
Machine Learning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a suitable dataset for your project
- Clean and prepare the data using Python libraries
- Explore different machine learning algorithms and select the best model for your data
Join a Machine Learning Study Group
Show steps
Join a study group to engage with fellow learners, share knowledge, and tackle challenges together.
Browse courses on
Machine Learning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find or create a study group with individuals who share similar interests
- Meet regularly to discuss course materials, projects, and research papers
Connect with Machine Learning Professionals
Show steps
Seek guidance and support from experienced professionals in the field of machine learning.
Browse courses on
Machine Learning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Attend industry events or online meetups to connect with potential mentors
- Reach out to professors or researchers in your field
Explore Machine Learning Courses on Coursera
Show steps
Expand your knowledge by completing additional machine learning courses on Coursera.
Browse courses on
Machine Learning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a course that aligns with your interests and learning goals
- Follow the course lectures, complete assignments, and participate in discussions
Career center
Learners who complete Technology Entrepreneurship: Lab to Market will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Technology Entrepreneur
Technology Entrepreneur
Technology Entrepreneurs start commercial businesses based on technology from university or company labs. This course helps teach Technology Entrepreneurs how to match promising technology with customer needs to launch successful new businesses. This course also helps teach how to evaluate a technology for readiness and market fit, and how to position opportunities to secure funding. These are important things that every aspiring Technology Entrepreneur should know.
Technology Manager
Technology Manager
Technology Managers lead teams that develop, implement, and maintain technology solutions. This course may be useful for those wishing to become Technology Managers. It can help build a foundation in understanding how to commercialize technologies, which is a valuable skill for any Technology Manager.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the lifecycle of products, from conception to launch. This course may be useful for those wishing to become Product Managers. It can help build a foundation in understanding how to match customer needs with promising technology seeds, which is a valuable skill for any Product Manager.
Venture Capitalist
Venture Capitalist
Venture Capitalists provide funding to early-stage companies. This course may be useful for those wishing to become Venture Capitalists. It can help build a foundation in understanding how to evaluate a technology for readiness and market fit, and how to position opportunities to secure funding. These are important things that every aspiring Venture Capitalist should know.
Technology Consultant
Technology Consultant
Technology Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses on how to use technology to achieve their business goals. This course may be useful for those wishing to become Technology Consultants. It can help build a foundation in understanding how to commercialize technologies, which is a valuable skill for any Technology Consultant.
Technology Analyst
Technology Analyst
Technology Analysts research and analyze technology trends and provide insights to businesses. This course may be useful for those wishing to become Technology Analysts. It can help build a foundation in understanding how to evaluate a technology for readiness and market fit, and how to position opportunities to secure funding. These are important things that every aspiring Technology Analyst should know.
Research and Development Manager
Research and Development Manager
Research and Development Managers oversee the development of new products and technologies. This course may be useful for those wishing to become Research and Development Managers. It can help build a foundation in understanding how to match customer needs with promising technology seeds, and how to align business and operating models. These are important things that every aspiring Research and Development Manager should know.
Technology Transfer Manager
Technology Transfer Manager
Technology Transfer Managers facilitate the transfer of technology from universities and research labs to the private sector. This course may be useful for those wishing to become Technology Transfer Managers. It can help build a foundation in understanding how to commercialize technologies, and how to position opportunities to secure funding. These are important things that every aspiring Technology Transfer Manager should know.
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorneys help inventors and businesses protect their intellectual property. This course may be useful for those wishing to become Patent Attorneys. It can help build a foundation in understanding how to evaluate a technology for readiness and market fit, and how to position opportunities to secure funding. These are important things that every aspiring Patent Attorney should know.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/00leeo/technology
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Technology Entrepreneurship: Lab to Market.
Examines the characteristics of successful innovators and provides practical advice for developing those skills.
A comprehensive guide to starting and running a successful technology business.
Introduces the principles of lean thinking and how to apply them to technology startups.
Introduces the four steps of customer development and how to use them to create a successful business.
Provides insights into the challenges of building a successful technology company.
Challenges conventional wisdom about innovation and encourages entrepreneurs to think differently.
Provides background on the challenges of innovation and how established companies can overcome them.
Save
Helps entrepreneurs develop a clear and effective strategy for their business.
Provides a step-by-step guide to building a successful product using lean principles.
Helps entrepreneurs understand the challenges of moving a product from early adopters to mainstream customers.
Save
Provides practical advice on how to get early customers and build a successful business.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/00leeo/technology
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Rating
5.0
Effort
2 to 4 hours per week for 5 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Harvard University
Instructors
Karim Lakhani
Vish Krishnan
Language
English
Transcript
English
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