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Industry Partners
Partner with Doctoral College UK
Collaborate. Innovate. Inspire.
At Doctoral College UK (DCUK) we believe that the most meaningful research happens when academia and industry work together.
Our Industry Partners play a vital role in connecting doctoral research with real-world innovation — shaping solutions that impact businesses, communities, and society.
What Is It?
The Innovation Factory brings together SMEs and PhD students in a structured journey from idea to market through:
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Innovation Clinics
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Validation Labs
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Development Studios
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Accelerators
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Market Entry Support
Why Join?
For SMEs:
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Access cutting-edge research
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Tap into fresh doctoral talent
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Receive tailored innovation strategies
For PhD Students:
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Gain real-world project experience
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Learn commercialization and innovation processes
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Contribute to high-impact ventures
PROGRAMME STAGES
Innovation Clinics – Discovery & Ideation
Problem Framing Session
SMEs present real business challenges, strategic goals, and innovation needs.
Project Scoping
Viable ideas are framed into innovation projects with clear goals and timelines.
Feasibility Filtering
Concepts assessed for technical, commercial, and social viability.
Needs Assessment & Opportunity Mapping
PhD researchers help scope the problems, spot gaps, and identify emerging trends.
Collaborative Brainstorming
Joint ideation using academic insight and real-world context.
Market Entry Support – Launch & Scale
Impact Monitoring & Reporting
Track outcomes and build case studies for all stakeholders.
Pilot Project Launch
Real-world testing and implementation.
Funding Navigation
Help secure grants, seed capital, and vouchers.
Mentoring & Advisory
Ongoing support from experts and mentors.
Partnership Building
Connect with industry, accelerators, and public buyers.
Validation Lab – Research & Concept Testing
Literature & Market Scan
Rapid review and competitor analysis by PhD students.
Value Proposition Canvas
Define customer benefits and unique selling points
Stakeholder Engagement
Interviews and surveys to gather expert and user insights.
Validation Report
A go/no-go decision based on data and feedback.
Technical Feasibility Study
Early-stage simulations or mock-ups to test assumptions.
Innovation Development Studio – Build & Prototype
Solution Design
Define features, UX, and workflow collaboratively.
User Testing
SMEs and end-users test the solution and provide feedback.
Resource Mapping
Identify tools, labs, funding, and required partnerships.
Iterative Improvement
Refine based on testing and stakeholder input.
Prototype Development
Build digital/physical prototypes with technical PhD input.
Innovation Accelerator – Strategy & Commercialisation
Business Model Development
Use Business Model Canvas to align value and delivery.
User Testing
Build investor decks and conduct mock pitches.
IP & Risk Analysis
Address IP rights, licensing, and legal considerations.
Final Showcase Presentation
Present to a panel of SME leaders, funders, and experts.
Go-to-Market Strategy
Plan launch, pricing, partnerships, and customer acquisition.