2026 training programme “Inspiring and experiencing innovation”: defence, security and dual-use technologies
From Idea to Innovation
How can an idea, a research finding or a scientific discovery be transformed into an innovation with a significant impact on society and industry? This is the aim of this training programme, which is open to PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and engineers working in IP Paris laboratories, with no prior knowledge of intellectual property or entrepreneurship required. Throughout the day, participants will explore the different pathways for research valorisation and technology transfer that can turn their work into practical applications. Beyond start-up creation, other potential routes will also be examined, including licensing agreements and industrial partnerships, all of which can play a key role in successful technology transfer.
Training Objectives
By the end of this training day, participants will be able to:
- understand the different pathways for research valorisation and technology transfer (licensing, industrial partnerships and start-up creation), as well as the fundamentals of intellectual property;
- understand the key stages involved in turning a research project into a research valorisation project;
- develop an initial value proposition based on their doctoral research or other research work;
- identify the relevant contacts and support schemes within the IP Paris innovation ecosystem and its partner network, as part of the IP³ University Innovation Hub (PUI).
Programme
The training will take place from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm and will be delivered in French. Lunch will be provided.
Morning session:
- The fundamentals of research valorisation (technology transfer pathways, intellectual property, and the journey from research to technological innovation projects);
- Short practical workshop: developing your own initial value proposition;
- A presentation by a researcher who has successfully valorised their research, followed by an informal lunch discussion with the speakers.
Afternoon session:
- Presentation by the CIEDS: introduction to the Interdisciplinary Centre and key challenges in defence innovation and dual-use technologies;
- Introduction to the IP Paris innovation ecosystem;
- Team-based role-playing exercise: co-designing a research valorisation project, from the initial value proposition through to its target application market.
Practical Information
📅 When? 27 November 2026, 9.00 am–5.30 pm (lunch provided).
📍 Where? X-Novation Center, École Polytechnique, Avenue Coriolis, 91120 Palaiseau – Workshop Room, 1st floor.
👥 Who is it for? PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and engineers from IP Paris.
🎓 Training credits: Attendance at this training day counts towards your doctoral training requirements (7 training hours will be validated, subject to submission of your value proposition and completion of the feedback questionnaire).
🔗 Registration: Places are limited to 20 participants. PhD students should register via ADUM. Postdoctoral researchers and engineers should register by email (the email address will be provided shortly).
⏳ Registration deadline: 23 November 2026.
🗣️ Language: French.
💻 What to bring: A laptop.
What Comes Next?
This training day marks the first step in a broader training and support programme. Participants who wish to take their learning further will have the opportunity to join the intensive training programme “Developing Your Research Valorisation Project” (four days of training, culminating in a final pitch before a panel of experts), which will take place in spring and autumn 2027.
This training day is funded by the French Government as part of the France 2030 investment plan, through the IP³ University Innovation Hub (PUI) IP³ (Institut Polytechnique de Paris and its partners). The IP³ University Innovation Hub is led by four founding members (IP Paris, CNRS, SATT Paris-Saclay and Inria) and six local partners (the Systematic Paris-Region cluster, Cap Digital, Medicen Paris Region, the Paris-Saclay Public Development Authority (EPA), the Île-de-France Regional Council and the Paris-Saclay Urban Community).