Top 5 Challenges Researchers Face in Monetizing Their Work

You've put in the time and effort. You’ve done the research, and published your findings. But now comes the hard part: making your work financially viable. Surprisingly, many researchers find their breakthroughs do not translate into commercial success. In fact, studies suggest only about 2% of academic research is successfully commercialized. Why is this? The journey from research to revenue is complicated and filled with obstacles. Let’s explore the five main challenges researchers encounter and how to tackle them effectively.

The Problem

The traditional research system was never built for commercial outcomes. From PhD training to university funding structures, researchers are taught to chase publication, not products. As a result, many fail to see their findings as intellectual property or viable tools for real-world application.

And for those who do try to translate their research into income—via consulting, spin-outs, products, or policy solutions—they often face legal uncertainty, lack of business training, poor funding access, and limited institutional support. Without a roadmap, researchers are left navigating this terrain alone.

The tragedy? Groundbreaking work that could improve lives, drive industry change, or power innovation remains unused, unread, or underfunded.

A dynamic research conference showcasing innovative ideas and collaborations.

The Possibility

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Across Africa and around the world, a growing number of researchers are turning their knowledge into impact ventures, public solutions, and yes—sustainable income. With the right strategy and support, research can lead to app development, patented inventions, social enterprises, or high-impact consulting.

The keys? Understanding your intellectual property. Building partnerships beyond the university. Learning how to pitch, prototype, and package your work for non-academic audiences.

At the Translational Research Forum, you’ll meet scholars who’ve monetized their work ethically, practically, and with measurable outcomes. You’ll explore systems designed to help—not hinder—your transition from knowledge producer to impact creator.

Colorful materials laid out for an educational workshop session.

The Solution

Approaches to Monetizing your Research

1 December 2025 at 10:00 – 4 December 2025 at 16:00Lekki

Register Now

At the upcoming Translational Research Forum, we’re not just talking about the problems—we’re solving them. Through a mix of keynotes, panels, and workshops, we’ll help you tackle the top 5 monetisation challenges researchers face:

1. Intellectual Property Confusion: Learn how to protect your ideas before you publish—through patents, licensing, or trademarks.

2. Lack of Commercial Awareness: Gain practical knowledge in sessions like “Commercialisation 101 for Researchers” and “Business Model Canvas for Scholars.”

3. Limited Access to Investors or Markets: Join our Pitch and Partnership Sessions—where researchers present to funders and innovation hubs.

4. Institutional Barriers: Discuss policy and structural reform in “Creating Innovation Ecosystems Around Universities.”

5. Fear of ‘Selling Out’: Redefine your role in “From Scholar to Solutionist” and see how monetisation can align with your values.

The Forum is your opportunity to break out of the research-to-journal cycle—and into a cycle of change, scale, and sustainable impact.

Call to Action

You don’t need an MBA to make your research matter. You just need the right tools, language, and connections. Join us at the Translational Research Forum to discover how researchers like you are building scalable solutions, income-generating ventures, and high-impact partnerships.

👉 Register now and take the first step toward transforming your knowledge into value.