Innovator's Toolbox

Innovator's Toolbox
Thursday January 22nd, 2026 01:00 PM to 02:30 PM
C210 (Main Campus Center Building)

Description

The Innovator’s Toolbox is a new pilot program designed to equip early-stage research teams with the knowledge and tools needed to explore startup pathways—while staying flexible enough to fit alongside ongoing research.

The program takes an exploratory approach: spinouts are one option, but participants will also learn about licensing and academic collaboration. Whether or not you plan to join the Lean Startup Training, the Innovator’s Toolbox is designed to benefit all inventors.

Program Structure

  • Bi-monthly sessions alternating between group trainings and check-ins
  • Exploratory approach covering multiple commercialization paths
  • Light-touch deliverables to put concepts into practice without heavy workload

Target audience

  • Anyone curious about commercializing technology
  • Proof of Concept (POC) program participants
  • Technology Pioneer Fellowship (TPF) participants
  • Researchers exploring the commercialization potential of their work

Trainer

We are excited to welcome Josh Green as the lead trainer. Josh is the former Director of the Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP) at George Mason University and the Virginia SBDC. He has extensive experience supporting innovation-driven startups across the U.S., Asia, and Europe, and is known for his engaging, hands-on mentoring style.

Next Session

Thursday, January 22, 2026
13:00-14:30
A150, Center Building near HR

Program Calendar

Month Topics/Activities
September

From Lab to Market
Welcome & program overview, tech transfer & disclosures, licensing, researcher roles, business concepts, homework (impacted groups & needs)
October

Lean Startup Training: Customer Discovery Focus                                                      external trainers from George Washington University Oct 24–26 (in person at OIST)
November Check-in session: updates on customer discovery
Nov 5 & 18 online Lean Startup follow-ups
Optional one-on-one coaching
December Customer discovery & next steps:
funding needs, validated business models, team formation & MVP, partnerships & traction

January 22

Founder & Business Fundamentals |13:00-14:30 | A150 Center Building near HR
Building a company & culture, legal considerations (NDAs, MOUs, employees), team dynamics, customer discovery updates

February 19

 Bringing It All Together | 13:00-14:30 | C210
Business thesis & elevator pitch, communicating to investors & stakeholders, funding options & timelines

March 5

 Final Session | 13:00-14:30 | C700
Progress reports, final presentations, reflections & feedback, next steps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected Outcomes

  • Awareness of startup, licensing, and collaboration pathways
  • Practical deliverables such as early-stage slide decks, team plans, or lean canvases
  • Improved skills in pitching, team formation, and business fundamentals

How to Join

No registration required for the kick-off. Add this event to your calendar and join us on January 22nd 13:00-14:30 in A150 (by HR). Feel free to invite other curious OISTers.

Questions

Contact OIST Innovation's Venture Development at vd@oist.jp (Attn: Caitlin Clouse)

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