Integrating lean startup tools in the technology transfer process: the 'Develop+Protect+Commercialise' model

The Develop+Protect+Commercialise model (D+P+C) presented here integrates lean startup principles in the technology transfer process. D+P+C captures the process 'from lab to market' and systematises feedback loops from an early stage to mitigate risks and increase the chances of commercialisation success. Targeting both the researcher and the TT officer, it consists of three parallel streams connected through a series of feedback loops: develop, protect, and commercialise. Each stream is composed of a sequence of steps, which generate options, and, in turn, lead to decisions. D+P+C was developed in the framework of an action research project, and its main purpose is to guide researchers looking to commercialise their work. By applying the model, four key lessons are offered: 1) break the silos of the lab; 2) obtain feedback and iterate within and across all streams; 3) tolerate failure; 4) fail fast, learn fast.