Catalyst

Catalyst is a program funded by the EU and the PRR, created by UBImedical, UBI’s business incubator, during which pre-seed start-ups learn, through specific tools (catalysts), to validate an entrepreneurial idea (with a special focus on deep tech), discover customers and competitors, test their ideas, be introduced to local and international markets, and enter the start-up ecosystem. The program aims to equip stakeholders (students, teachers, researchers, and other staff) with entrepreneurial and innovative skills. Through this program, we use tools to develop entrepreneurial intent and the future creation of start-ups, but also to drive innovation by transforming research into new products, services, or processes. In addition to this training, the program includes a methodology to stimulate entrepreneurial thinking developed with the five faculties of UBI, integrating several curricular units.

Catalyst aims to stimulate entrepreneurial intent and support high-tech companies in the start-up (and growth) phase, providing them with tools to consolidate the market and ensuring a successful roadmap from idea to market. It also aims to strengthen capabilities through specific guidance and training, enabling start-up companies to develop their activities and attract investment. To stimulate entrepreneurial thinking and the practical/critical sense of bringing a business idea to life, Catalyst has developed a product that combines a set of disciplines from various courses at UBI’s five faculties. During the course, classes are taught on topics ranging from the idea itself, Design Thinking, Industrial Property, Triple Layer Business Model, Business Creation, and Pitch Communication. On the other hand, we organize idea contests, hackathons, and pitch contests, which are the starting point for transforming their solutions into prototypes or MVPs, with the goal of creating a startup. The goal of Catalyst is to implement specific acceleration actions that accompany entrepreneurs (still in the pre-seed phase), giving them the ability to develop their solution and helping them understand the best way to position themselves in the market.