Spark

About the programme

Are you passionate about innovation, eager to meet potential technical co-founders, and ready to immerse yourself in the world of cutting-edge technology startups? Look no further – welcome to Spark, a collaboration between London Business School (LBS) and other academic institutions, designed to bring together the brightest minds in technology and business. This unique programme connects students from tech backgrounds with LBS students, fostering partnerships to build robust commercialization strategies for groundbreaking research ideas. Our collaborators include University College London (UCL), Conception X, Crick Science Entrepreneur Network (CSEN), and King’s College London.

Who is it for?

Spark is open to current LBS students and alumni, and students from the collaborating academic institution.

Why Spark?

In response to the HM Treasury's Independent Review of University Spin-outs (November 2023), which highlighted the need to translate the UK’s academic excellence into high-growth tech companies, Spark was established to address the challenges faced by tech founders in the spin-out process. The review identified a gap in the commercial knowledge required to turn innovative research into successful ventures. Founders of tech companies have expressed that the spin-out process can be unnecessarily difficult and would benefit from access to bright business minds to help refine their commercialization strategies.

Spark events bring together founders of tech startups with business students and external partners to bridge this gap in commercial knowledge. By fostering collaboration between tech entrepreneurs and business experts, we aim to support the UK’s STEM sector and help turn innovative ideas into thriving companies.

What you get out of it?

Meet Potential Technical Co-founders: Network with technical researchers, explore synergies, and lay the foundation for transformative partnerships.
Build Commercialization Strategies: Dive into the world of tech startups by actively participating in the development of early commercialization strategies for emerging ventures.
Connect with Cutting-edge Tech: Immerse yourself in an evening of innovation, surrounded by innovative people working on the latest and most exciting technological advancements.

How it works:

Students will pitch their start-up ideas and network during the event, forming new collaborative relationships with fellow students, with complementary backgrounds, to form early commercialization strategies. The aim is to guide each participant in finding the most suitable and effective commercial pathway for their research idea.

Examples of past projects include:

Emerging semiconductors
Cancer treatments
Regenerative medicine solutions
State of the art MRIs
Electronic materials to enhance human vision
Robotics, AI, and automation
Cybersecurity innovations
Insider threat tool for cybercrime prevention.
Smart surgical robotics for neurosurgery efficacy.
Adaptive Noise Solution for customized control.
Vision-based training platform for ultrasound scans.
AI life coach for self-awareness achievement.
Gym assistant tracking and correcting posture.

Upcoming events

Stay updated on upcoming Spark events. If you're an LBS student, follow the Entrepreneurship Club on Campus Groups to receive the latest event announcements. Additionally, you can find post event updates on our LinkedIn page.

Be sure to follow us to stay informed about all the exciting opportunities and events we have to offer.