
TRF 1.0;
Approaches to Monetizing your Research
Postponed
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH FORUMÂ
PRESENTS:

ABOUT
TRF 1.0
2025
Background: In academic and scientific circles, Nigeria has witnessed impressive growth in research output across universities, research institutes, and private-sector collaborations. However, despite the increasing number of publications, reports, and innovations, much of this research remains confined to papers, archives, and academic journals — seldom translated into real-world solutions, products, or businesses. The Translational Research Forum 1.0 emerges as a pioneering platform to bridge this gap, creating a dynamic space where researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders can engage on how to transform research insights into commercially viable solutions.
Problem: A key problem is that research often stops at publication or presentation, without clear pathways or support for implementation, scaling, or commercialization. Many researchers lack the knowledge, networks, or resources to navigate intellectual property protection, licensing, startup development, or industry partnerships. As a result, groundbreaking work in fields like health, agriculture, food sciences, technology, and education fails to reach the communities or markets where it could generate social impact, national development, or economic revenue.
​Rationale: The rationale behind this conference is that by convening a multidisciplinary group of stakeholders, we can equip researchers with practical tools, success models, and expert mentorship to unlock the value of their work. This forum will explore key themes such as intellectual property and patenting; attracting investors; building research-based startups; scaling indigenous innovations; and fostering university–industry–government linkages. By combining workshops, keynote sessions, case study presentations, and networking opportunities, the conference will serve as both a learning ground and a launchpad for applied research ventures.
Benefits of Participating: There are numerous benefits to participating in the Translational Research Forum 1.0. Attendees will gain firsthand insights from successful entrepreneurs who have monetized their research, legal experts on navigating intellectual property frameworks, funding agencies on what they look for in investable ideas, and government bodies on available grants and incentives. Participants will also have opportunities to pitch their research ideas to panels of potential investors or industry partners, receive mentorship on commercialization strategies, and connect with peers across disciplines for collaborative ventures. Whether you are an early-career researcher, an established academic, or a private-sector innovator, this forum offers tailored value for advancing your innovation journey.​
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How to Participate: Translational Research Forum 1.0 will be held as a hybrid event, with both virtual and in-person participation options. The in-person conference will take place at a central venue in Lagos, Nigeria, featuring keynote talks, breakout sessions, and live networking opportunities. Virtual participants will have full access to all main sessions via live streaming, with interactive Q&A, virtual breakout rooms, and one-on-one mentoring slots offered online. Both in-person and virtual attendees will receive a conference resource pack, certificate of participation, and access to post-event follow-up workshops.
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​Other relevant highlights include: a dedicated showcase of indigenous Nigerian research innovations that have successfully reached markets; a panel on navigating cultural, ethical, and regulatory considerations in local commercialization; and a closing session to co-create a national roadmap for strengthening translational research in Nigeria and beyond.
​Together, Translational Research Forum 1.0 aims to spark a new wave of researcher-led enterprises, ensuring that Nigerian innovation doesn’t just stay in the lab or library — but enters the world where it can transform lives and generate economic value.
The
Venue

Address: Lagos Oriental Hotel, 3 Lekki Road Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria

Address: Lagos Oriental Hotel, 3 Lekki Road Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria

Address: Lagos Oriental Hotel, 3 Lekki Road Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria
​​Lagos Oriental Hotel
Address: Lagos Oriental Hotel, 3 Lekki Road Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria
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Our
Speakers

Schedule
Day 1 – Awareness & Inspiration
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Keynote: “From Publication to Product: Why Implementation Matters”
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Panels:
“Success Stories: Researchers Who Built Impact Ventures”
“Commercialising Research in Low-Resource Contexts”
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Workshops:
IP & Legal
Business Model Canvas for Researchers
Policy Translation 101
Day 2 – Action & Strategy
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Keynote: “Designing Research with the End in Mind”
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Roundtables: Sector-specific tracks (Health, Education, Agriculture, etc.)
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Pitch or Demo Session: Researchers present scalable ideas to funders or innovation hubs
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Closing: Commitment session – what will each participant do next?




