Focus on entrepreneurship at European science forum in Dublin

IF YOU have an invention and want to sell it to the world make plans to attend the Euroscience Open Forum in Dublin this July.

The forum includes a section on entrepreneurship and forming a company, the Science- 2-Business programme.

An “invention convention” is planned as part of this, a competitive event that will allow 15 finalists pitch their ideas to a panel of business people.

Minister of State for Research Seán Sherlock formally launched the Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF) 2012 Science-2-Business programme at Trinity College Dublin yesterday.

“ESOF 2012 is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the best of Irish science and an opportunity for Irish people to engage with the international science community,” Mr Sherlock said.

“It is very much about bringing science to the masses,” he said.

The Science-2-Business programme will cover a range of topics including why so few women scientists become entrepreneurs and what can be done about it, a presentation on how innovation can transform economies, and how companies can win financial support for research from the EU.

A master class is planned, comprising a quick 90-minute tour of everything a would-be entrepreneur needs to know before starting a business.

There will also be a talk on how even astronomy can be turned into a business opportunity.

ESOF will be the largest single science meeting occurring anywhere in Europe during 2012, with 5,000 delegates expected to attend. It takes place from July 11th through July 15th at the Convention Centre, Dublin.

There is also a wide range of free public events taking place across Dublin during that week.

For more information visit esof2012.organd dublinscience2012.ie