Applied Research Day 2010

http://ard.innuvation.org

12/23/09
 What Is Applied Research Day?

It is an opportunity to:
• Explore the real world applications of your research
• Network with MBA, Law, and Medical students as well as
angel investors and venture capitalists
• Form teams to compete in NUVC and possibly real
business
• Train for product/idea development in industry
 What is an ARD Presentation?

• This is a poster presentation, identical to scientific

conferences... with a twist.
• Posters are in the same format as scientific conferences, but
with a final section discussing the business aspects.
• Abstracts are <1page representatives of your posters
• You will present your research and its business application
in a 5 minute pitch.
• Judges will have 5 minutes for questions afterwards.
 Judging Criteria
   Research Content (40%) Business Content (20%)
• Novel research project • Understanding of current market and
• Significant impact of project competition
• Clear and sound methodology • Understanding of competitive advantages of
• Quality and persuasiveness of any data proposed product/service
• Understanding of targeted customers
• Understanding of investor issues
• Consideration of management team

Poster Organization (15%) Communication Skills (25%)

• Neat, organized, and concise • Student can clearly explain research and
• Well-written, proper grammar business model to inter-disciplinary audience
• Clear definition of problem and solution • Ability to answer questions
• Quality and relevance of figures • Ability to receive suggestions and criticism

12/23/09
 Important Dates
Abstracts Due: Monday, February 8th
• A brief description of your concept and its business application
• Less than a page in length
• Do not need fully developed business understanding

ARD - Thursday, February 25th

1:00-2:00p  Registration
1:30-1:45p  Opening Remarks
2:00-4:00p  Poster Presentations
                        -Judging
                        -Networking
4:15-5:15p  Speakers
5:15-5:30p Awards
 The Competition

• Awards!
o 1st Place: $600
o 2nd Place: $400
o 3rd Place: $200
o ISEN Award: $TBA
o BIP Award: $TBA

• All entrants will present at ARD

• 10 entrants are judged to compete at ARD for grand
prizes
o Top 7 chosen from abstracts
o 3 Audience favorites (determined at event)
 Kellogg Start Up Lab

• Every Thursday, MBA and  McCormick students that are

interested in entrepreneurship brainstorm on start up ideas

• Two dates designed for ARD participants:

o Jan 21st: Ideation
 Having trouble thinking of how your research could become a
business?
 Open to all students
o Feb 11th: Development
 Develop the business aspects of your concept with the help of
MBA students
 Open to all ARD participants
 Business Content

• The Opportunity
o Understanding the Current Market
o Intellectual Property
o The Competitive Landscape
• Your Solution
o Competitive Advantage
o The Targeted Customer
• Your Business
o What You Need
o Your Current Status

12/23/09
 The Opportunity
• Understanding the Current Market
oWhat is the problem that you are addressing?
oWhat is the size of this market?
oRegulatory considerations?
• Intellectual Property - blanket search on Google
o How important are patents in this market?
o How dense is the IP landscape?
o Is there white space to stake claim?
• Understanding the Competition
o How competitive is the landscape of this field?
o What currently solves this problem?
o Where do the current solutions fall short with their solution?

12/23/09
 Your Solution
• Competitive Advantage
o How does your solution add value?
 Accuracy
 Speed
 Cost
 etc.
o What other ways can you differentiate your solution to create
advantage?
• Understanding of the Targeted Customer
o Who benefits from your product?
o Who purchases your product?
o What are all of the factors in this purchasing decision?
o How can your product be marketed?
o How will your product be distributed? 
 Your Business

• What is needed to bring this to market? (rough idea)

o How much time to market?
o What kind of capital will you need?
o Do you need experts from any field?
o Do you need a corporate partnership?

• Current Status
o Where are you at in your product development?
o What support/advisors do you have?
o Who are you looking for to join your team to develop this? (
o What is your end goal for this concept?
 License
 Manufacture
 Sell
 Presentation Tips

1. You will ramble, time yourself for 3-4 min

2. You do not have time to go deep into your research details
3. Judges and participants will be from all different
backgrounds
4. Predict questions ahead of time
5. GO TO START UP LAB SESSIONS!!! - Great opportunity
6. Use this as a chance to network and build teams!
 Information and Registration:
http://ard.innuvation.org

Abstract Deadline:
2/8/2010

Jimmy Buffi: 
jamesbuffi2013@u.northwestern.edu

Chris Ryan:
12/23/09 christopherryan2008@u.northwestern.edu