UU Innovation Idea Exploration Programme
Sustainable transportation, increased citizen participation, mental health challenges – or something entirely different?
No matter the topic, and whether your idea comes from a thesis, a course assignment, or research, it could make a real difference in society.
Join UU Innovation’s Idea Exploration Programme and discover your potential to drive positive change through innovation.
The next round of the programme starts in March. Application is open!
Dates and details for the upcoming programme
- Dates: 2, 9, and 16 March.
- Time: All seminars run from 08:30-10:00. Breakfast will be served from 08:15.
- Location: On-site meetings in the Segerstedt Building (restaurant area), Dag Hammarskjölds väg 7.
- Application: Apply here by 20 February
Gain insights into your idea
This programme is designed for those who want to explore the potential of a new idea. Ideas can emerge from a thesis, coursework, student assignments, personal interest, or research-based initiatives. You do not need any prior experience with innovation or business development — we’ll take the first steps of idea development together.
You will learn how to examine your idea from multiple angles and define its value for your intended users or customers. You will also discover how to present your idea in a compelling and engaging way.
By participating, you will connect with creative people from across the University and gain fresh perspectives and insights from UU Innovation’s team of advisors. You will receive individual feedback on your idea as you progress through the programme.
If you are eager to continue working on your idea after the programme concludes, you will have the opportunity to gain full support from us to further evaluate your concept.
Read what previous participants thought about the Idea Exploration Programme.
Expand for general programme details
Programme includes: Three breakfast seminars. Independent work between sessions with personalised feedback from UU Innovation advisors. Estimated total time commitment: approximately 10 hours.
Cost: The programme is free of charge.
Language: English
Limited spots: The programme accommodates around 15 participants.
Who can apply? Researchers and students at all levels at Uppsala University are welcome to apply. Researchers from Dalarna University and the University of Gävle are also eligible. You don’t need any prior experience in innovation or entrepreneurship — just curiosity and a willingness to explore your idea.
After the programme: By the end of the programme, you’ll have deepened your understanding of the early stages of idea development and gained insights into the potential value of your idea for its intended users or customers. You’ll also have a clearer sense of how your idea may need to evolve in order to become a practical solution. In addition, you’ll be familiar with the support UU Innovation offers and have the opportunity to get a personal business advisor who will guide you as you continue developing your idea.
Get a focused start
This programme is ideal if you want to kickstart your idea development journey — and prefer doing so together with others. It’s also a great fit if you see the value of getting off to a focused and structured start.
Our personalised guidance is always available, so you can reach out whenever you need support getting started.
If you'd rather work independently and at your own pace from the beginning, our one-to-one counselling may be a better fit.
Not sure which option suits you best? Don’t hesitate to get in touch — we’re happy to help!
In this short video, Hillevi Englund, business advisor at UU Innovation, talks about the Idea Exploration Programme and the reasons for applying.
The video also includes film clips from one of the programme's seminars.
To enable English captions, go to settings.
Programme overview
We'll start by guiding you through the process of identifying the needs your idea addresses. Who would benefit from your solution? We'll help you define your target audience and understand their problems and needs. This analysis will enable you to better assess whether your idea has the potential to fulfill a genuine need for your audience.
This will be followed by delving into the alternatives you need to compare with and potentially surpass. How does your audience currently address their challenges? We'll explore existing options, their costs, advantages, and disadvantages to thoroughly understand the alternatives to your idea. This understanding will provide insights into how your idea can stand out and offer something unique.
Now that you have insights into the problem you aim to solve and the available alternatives, it's time to focus on your own solution. How can you tailor your solution to better meet the needs? How can you highlight its advantages? What is needed to craft a compelling solution? We'll also discuss ways to communicate your idea effectively to engage various audiences.
Finally, it's time to focus on presentation and future outlook. You'll have the opportunity to present and discuss your idea based on the structure we've worked on and the information you've gathered. Constructive feedback will guide you forward! As you consider your plans and the necessary next steps for your idea, we'll also explore the support available through UU Innovation — including access to a personal business advisor and the opportunity for mentorship — to help strengthen both your idea and your network beyond academia.
To conclude the Idea Exploration Programme, we'll have a special guest share insights into their work and the strategic steps they've taken to turn an idea into a working solution.
Apply to join the Idea Exploration Programme starting in March!
Are you interested to join the Idea Exploration Programme this spring, starting on 2 March? Apply no later than 20 February.
Link to application for the Idea Exploration Programme
After application, one of UU Innovation's advisors will contact you to discuss the idea you would like to develop.
Keep in mind that you can reach out to us anytime to get started with developing your idea! We offer individual counselling throughout the year.
Contact us
If you have questions about the programme or want to discuss an idea, please email us at innovation@uu.se