Foundation level – IDEA: How to identify a good innovation idea from your research data

Have you ever wondered if there is an idea for an innovation project or even a start-up buried in your piles of research data? Or, how to know if that idea is any good? Then this interactive and reflective workshop is for you!

Illustration researchers with ideas and courses at two levels.

We will introduce you to the innovation process using the Design Thinking method which will enable you to view your research with different eyes afterwards. Be prepared to step outside the box and explore how to create real-world impact with your research!

Foundation level: This course is the perfect starting point for everyone curious about innovation.

Learning outcomes: At the end of the session, you will know how to identify and pre-test ideas with innovation project potential from research data. Plus, you will learn ideation techniques that promote creative thinking in all areas of your life.

Schedule TBA

Register

Registration deadline: 9 October. Note that registration is binding.

Free for UiO researchers (including PhD candidates and postdocs) and staff.

Please contact training@growthhouse.uio.no, if you are interested in the course but outside the UiO system.

Potential next steps from here: Start working with an innovation adviser from The UiO Growth House on your idea and consider taking our Step-up level: Idea to Innovation (I2I) course to continue building your innovation toolbox.

Facilitators from The UiO Growth House

  • Dr. Joseph M. Makokha, entrepreneurship educator
  • Dr. Katja D. Mj?s, senior innovation adviser & teaching captain, The UiO Growth House
Joseph Makokha
Joseph M. Makokha

Joseph Makokha, PhD is a postdoctoral research fellow at University of Oslo Institute for Informatics (IFI) in the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

  • He specializes in collaborative artificial intelligence (AI) systems that augment humans on thinking tasks such as designing, hence works at the intersection of innovative teams, design and artificial intelligence.
  • In addition to teaching, he develops and runs experiments/studies involving a variety of AI systems to explore their impact on creativity, perception, decision making, collaboration, team dynamics, among others.
  • To bridge knowledge and practice, he engages industry leaders in fostering innovation within their organizations through strategies such as Design Thinking.
  • He has a bachelor's degree in EE/CS (Nairobi, Kenya), masters degrees in Education (Holy Names and Stanford in the US), and a PhD in Mechanical engineering from Stanford University.
Katja D. Mj?s
Katja D. Mj?s

"All training courses by The UiO Growth House focus on the individual human being and aim to provide an inclusive and safe space for everybody to create, innovate, and test even the craziest ideas without fear."

Katja D. Mj?s

Published Aug. 20, 2025 11:08 AM - Last modified Aug. 21, 2025 3:46 PM