Medici - Keele University

Medici

The Medici Programme is a Midlands Universities initiative, which seeks to encourage the development of enterprise by the provision of training in business, entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer to those involved in enterprise. These staff will not only be a knowledge source but they will also champion a culture change in Schools or Research Institutes.  Programmes are fixed term 1 year either full time or part time (minimum 2 days p/w).

What will you do?

Medici allows individuals to develop/engage in enterprise projects either from their own work, or through collaboration with colleagues. This is supported by a taught course in intellectual property, commercialisation and innovation.

Fellows put this knowledge to practical use during the course of their fellowship through a variety of enterprise initiatives and will liaise closely with Research Institute Directors, Managers, Heads of Schools, individual academic staff and with business managers in Research and Enterprise Services.

Who is eligible for a Medici fellowship?

Any member of staff who is currently engaged in enterprise activity is eligible for nomination for a Medici Fellowship. It would particularly suit early to mid career individuals who are already involved in commercial or enterprise-related projects and where it would be beneficial for them to develop the strategic element of their role in RI or School.

Who could be nominated?

Medici Fellowships are suitable for anyone who:

  • Is interested in being a champion who will stimulate enterprise or entrepreneurial activity within the academic environment
  • Is keen to bridge the gap between academia and business or other enterprise partners
  • Has a flair for and commitment to disseminating information and promoting knowledge transfer

What are the benefits?

  • A one year fellowship
  • A taught course in business and commercialisation issues (University of Birmingham)
  • Training in the foundations of entrepreneurship including familiarisation with intellectual property, routes to commercialisation, applying for enterprise funding
  • Experiential learning to engage with enterprise projects from the Fellow’s research group or sector
  • Enhanced interaction with businesses, organisations and with other universities within the consortium

Medici Training Programme 2009-2010 – sample programme

Candidates need to be aware that the Medici Fellow must be available to participate in the residential training programme:

Module 1 – An Introduction to Innovation and Intellectual Property (29th-30th September)

  • Interactive session on Networking
  • Drivers for Knowledge Transfer - the concept of innovation and creativity
  • Intellectual property overview

Module 2 – Marketing, Market Research and Negotiation (21/22 October)

  • Writing a market plan
  • Researching markets
  • Negotiation

Module 3 – Business Basics and organisational structure (11-12 November)

  • Organisational roles
  • Corporate governance
  • How to engage with business

Module 4 – Finance and Business Planning (25-26 November)

  • Technology Evaluation
  • Business plans
  • Company valuation
  • Raising Finance

Module 5 – Exploitation (16-17 December)

  • Routes to market
  • Engaging business
  • Funding streams
  • Contracts  

Learn more:

Dr. Shanta Aphale
Enterprise Business Manager
Email: s.l.aphale@keele.ac.uk
Tel: (+44) 01782 734498