On 27 November 2024 the ReproUnion Innovation Platform facilitated its first workshop to explore how cutting-edge research can be transformed into impactful, market-ready solutions. At the workshop ReproUnion researchers at all levels were introduced to experts in innovation and among the key lessons were:

• It can be a long way before an invention is turned into innovation – and it should always start with understanding the need.
• Scalability is essential for impactful innovation.
• Commercialization is not the end goal, but a tool to create impact that benefits the society.
• The broader perspective of innovation should consider not just the patient but also the payer.
• Patenting strategy is critical, as is finding the right funding.

Addressing Cross-Border Challenges

Navigating cross-border projects requires addressing differences in intellectual property (IP) rights between Denmark and Sweden. At the workshop experts from KU Lighthouse and the Technology Transfer Office of the Capital Region of Denmark led discussions to demystify these complexities. They underscored the importance of early collaboration with legal and IP experts to navigate differences, resolve ownership issues, and craft effective agreements.

Inspiring Stories from Research Entrepreneurs

Christine Widstrand, CEO of LU Ventures (previously Holding), inspired attendees with stories of successful research entrepreneurs, including ReproUnion’s own Yvonne Lundberg Giwercman who has founded Dx4Life. Widstrand also emphasized the importance of strategic planning and long-term commitment and highlighted the considerable investment (often exceeding SEK 140 million) that is required to develop a proof of concept into a scalable product.

Paving the Way for Innovation in Reproductive Health

ReproUnion is working to empower researchers to transform groundbreaking ideas into reproductive health solutions and at the workshop experts from LU Innovation, guided the participants towards bridging the gap between research and real-world applications. This session challenged them to think about the core driver of their work, before pitching ideas to the group, using the first 3 steps of the NABC framework:

1. What needs are you solving for the target population? (Need)
2. How does your approach address these needs? (Approach)
3. And most importantly, what tangible benefits will it bring? (Benefit)
4. Formulate your value proposition in a way that clearly distinguishes you from your competitors (Competition)

If you have any questions about the next ReproUnion Innovation activities, please contact: Katalin Vikuk, ReproUnion Innovation Manager
kv@mva.org