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Presentation
Presentation
This curricular unit addresses the unique specificities of creating and managing technology-based companies within the life sciences sector, with a particular focus on biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry. The course aims to provide essential knowledge about different business models and the dynamics of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical markets, analyzing global trends, regulatory challenges, and innovation strategies. The scope of the curricular unit includes the identification of business opportunities, risk assessment, intellectual property, financing, technology transfer, marketing strategies, and the commercialization of innovative biotechnology products. The main areas of intervention include: Development of innovative business projects in biotechnology; Valorization of R&D results through technology transfer strategies; Preparation and assessment of business plans for products and services
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Class from course
Class from course
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Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Bachelor | Semestral | 1.5
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Year | Nature | Language
Year | Nature | Language
3 | Mandatory | Português
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Code
Code
ULHT2532-16922
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Prerequisites and corequisites
Prerequisites and corequisites
Not applicable
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Professional Internship
Professional Internship
Não
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Syllabus
Syllabus
Models of Technology Companies and Organizational Structures Startups and Spin-offs Incubators and Accelerators Joint Ventures and Strategic Partnerships Biotechnology / Pharma Ecosystem Relationship between biotech companies and the pharmaceutical industry Complementarities and synergies between biotech and big pharma/bio-pharma Value chains and collaboration networks in the sector Role of universities and research centers Innovation in Life Sciences Product development processes Intellectual property management Emerging technologies and their impact on the sector Innovation strategies incremental vs. disruptive Financing and Investment Sources of capital Marketing and Commercialization Market entry strategies Development of innovative business models Regulation Regulatory environment in biotechnology and pharma
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Objectives
Objectives
Distinguish between different business models - startups, spin-offs, CROs, and joint ventures - understanding the advantages, limitations, and application contexts of each model, and identify the strategic factors involved, such as scalability, funding needs, time to market, and operational risks. Describe the interactions and synergies between biotechnology companies, big pharma, universities, and research centres, highlighting complementarities in the sector. Apply innovation strategies - both incremental and disruptive - using emerging technologies relevant to the life sciences. Recognise and anticipate the regulatory and ethical challenges specific to biotechnology and pharma (EMA, FDA; clinical trials; GMP). Develop effective market entry strategies, including competitive analysis, positioning, and revenue modelling. Design a structured business plan and a persuasive pitch for a biotechnology-based venture, oriented towards venture capital investors.
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Teaching methodologies
Teaching methodologies
Throughout the course unit, students will be actively engaged in the progressive development of a business plan, worked on collaboratively and incrementally, integrating content discussed in class as well as best practices from the industry. This approach aims to simulate the real cycle of technological business development, promote critical thinking, and apply innovative business modeling tools. Additionally, a project pitch will be prepared following current standards used in startup competitions and investment rounds. The pitch should highlight the value proposition, technological differentiation, market entry strategy, revenue model, and growth plan, presented in a dynamic, clear, and persuasive format suitable for communication with potential investors. The work will be presented and discussed in front of the class.
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References
References
Scientific papers related to the subject
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Assessment
Assessment
Instrumento de Avaliação
Ponderação
Critérios e Observações
Plano de Negócios - componente escrita
75%
Entregue em formato PDF/Word. Estrutura obrigatória: Executive Summary, Análise de Mercado, Modelo de Negócio (Business Model Canvas), PI & Regulação, Financiamento, Plano de Crescimento. Declaração de uso de IAGen obrigatória.
Pitch - apresentação oral perante a turma
25%
Duração: 7 min + 5 min Q&A. Avaliados: clareza da proposta de valor, qualidade dos argumentos, capacidade de resposta a perguntas, adequação ao público-investidor.
TOTAL
100%
Trabalho em grupo (3-5 elementos). Componente oral obrigatória.
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Mobility
Mobility
No
