Workshop linking science and industry opens a new MSIC LabZero cycle

A hands-on workshop titled Bridging Science and Industry: Communicate with Impact will launch the third cycle of MSIC LabZero on February 17. The concept, developed by the Moravian-Silesian Innovation Center, is designed to help students and researchers from universities in the Moravian-Silesian Region turn their ideas and innovations into market-ready solutions. Focused on the intersection of academia and business needs, the workshop will be followed by a Reverse Pitching, an exchange of ideas event, in March.

The workshop will be led by Andrew Hladký of the investment firm IP Lab Ventures, an experienced specialist in strategy, mergers, and acquisitions across multiple industries and regions.

“Participants will learn how to identify and approach industrial partners effectively in different contexts, from negotiating contract research to seeking opportunities to test their work beyond academia. They will practice explaining their research clearly and concisely to quickly engage potential partners. Together, they will also map out relevant industry contacts and develop tailored strategies for reaching out to them,” said Pavlína Baranová from MSIC on behalf of the organizers.

The workshop will be conducted in English and is aimed at scientists, researchers, and Ph.D. students from universities across the region. Participation is free of charge.

On March 25, the workshop will be followed by a Reverse Pitching event, designed as an ideas exchange. This format allows researchers and companies to present a piece of research or an idea they no longer have the capacity to develop or are unsure how to move forward with. Active students from various disciplines and regional universities will then help identify solutions or suggest new pathways for bringing the idea or research closer to market application.

What does Reverse Pitching offer?

“Taking part in Reverse Pitching can open up new ways of viewing your research or idea from a fresh perspective. Participants gain new insights and approaches for continuing their research or further developing their idea so it has real market potential. At the same time, they meet proactive and motivated students from a range of disciplines who are keen to engage in projects and collaborate on their further development. The outcome can be not only valuable feedback, but also new team members who bring energy, expertise, and a drive to move ideas forward,” Baranová added.

The aim of MSIC LabZero is to leverage the synergy between research, business, and students. The organizers, therefore, focus on connecting research teams or companies with students who want to work on meaningful projects and take part in creating new innovations in the region. Students from all universities and colleges in the Moravian-Silesian Region can join the activities free of charge.

Detailed information is available here.