Applied Research Day 2012

http://ard.innuvation.org

What Is Applied Research Day?

It is an opportunity to:
Present your research and learn about other research at NU Interact with entrepreneurs and venture capitalists to learn how to turn your research ideas into a viable business. Meet entrepreneurial students from all disciplines at NU Assemble your team for the lucrative NU Venture Competition.

Your Participation in ARD

Who: Students or researchers affiliated with Northwestern with research ideas that might translate into real world applications. How: 1) Have an idea
The entry must be the original idea and work product of a student or team of students. Possible topics include: Green Projects, Healthcare, Technology solutions, and Non-profit and Community-based.

2) Submit your abstract online.

< 1 page representative of research idea and potential application Deadline: Monday, Feb 27st, 2012

3) Presentation
Everyone can present a poster. We will select ten participants to give oral presentation of their research and its business application.

The Competition
3 Best Poster: $ 50 ISEN Award: $TBA 1st Place: $ 500 2nd Place:$ 300 3rd Place: $ 100

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All oral presentation participants will receive a certificate of merit. The top finishing team receives a free pass to the NUVC semifinals!

Judging Criteria
1) Laboratory Research
60% Research Content, 0% Business, 15% Poster/PPT organization, 25% Communication

2) Applied Research
35% Research Content, 35% Business, 10% Poster/PPT organization, 20% Communication Research Content Business Content Novel research project Understanding of current market and Significant impact of project competition Clear and sound methodology Understanding of competitive advantages of Quality and persuasiveness of any data proposed product/service Understanding of targeted customers Understanding of investor issues Communication Skills Poster/PPT Organization Neat, organized, and concise Student can clearly explain research and Well-written, proper grammar business model to inter-disciplinary audience Clear definition of problem and solution Ability to answer questions Quality and relevance of figures Ability to receive suggestions and criticism

Important Dates
Abstracts Due: Tuesday, Feb 27st, 2012
A brief description of your concept and its business application Less than a page in length Do not need fully developed business understanding

ARD Wednesday, March 7th, 2012 TBD

Information and Registration:

http://ard.innuvation.org
Abstract Deadline:

02/27/2012
Neema Mashayekhi: neema@u.northwestern.edu Dan Zheng: danzheng2008@u.northwestern.edu

Business Content
The Opportunity
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Understanding the Current Market Intellectual Property The Competitive Landscape Competitive Advantage The Targeted Customer What You Need Your Current Status

Your Solution
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Your Business
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12/23/09

The Opportunity
Understanding the Current Market
What is the problem that you are addressing? What is the size of this market? Regulatory considerations? Intellectual Property - blanket search on Google o How important are patents in this market? o How dense is the IP landscape? o Is there white space to stake claim?
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Understanding the Competition

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How competitive is the landscape of this field? What currently solves this problem? Where do the current solutions fall short with their solution?

12/23/09

Your Solution
Competitive Advantage
How does your solution add value?  Accuracy  Speed  Cost  etc. o What other ways can you differentiate your solution to create advantage?
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Understanding of the Targeted Customer

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Who benefits from your product? Who purchases your product? What are all of the factors in this purchasing decision? How can your product be marketed? How will your product be distributed?

Your Business
What is needed to bring this to market? (rough idea)
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How much time to market? What kind of capital will you need? Do you need experts from any field? Do you need a corporate partnership?

Current Status
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Where are you at in your product development? What support/advisors do you have? Who are you looking for to join your team to develop this? What is your end goal for this concept?  License  Manufacture  Sell

Presentation Tips
1. You will ramble, time yourself for 3-4 min 2. You do not have time to go deep into your research details 3. Judges and participants will be from all different backgrounds 4. Predict questions ahead of time 5. Great opportunity 6. Use this as a chance to network and build teams!