From July 1 to 9, the ORION programme of Université de Lorraine and its research partners invite Master’s students, engineering students and PhD candidates to take part in "Think Innovation Week 2026" in Nancy.
This intensive programme is designed for students who wish to give a new dimension to their scientific skills and explore the innovative potential of their ideas. Participants will move from a concept - or a dormant patent - to a structured, responsible project ready to be developed on an international scale.
Think Innovation Week is aimed at those who want to connect research, innovation and societal impact in a multidisciplinary and international environment.
A progressive programme in three complementary blocks
Participants may apply for a specific block or follow the full programme for a complete learning experience.
Block 1 – “48 hours to revive dormant patents”
Working in teams, participants explore the innovation potential of an existing patent. Using technological monitoring, foresight and creativity tools, they develop a Proof of Concept and identify concrete valorization opportunities. This block mobilizes scientific expertise within a strategic and collaborative framework.
Block 2 – “Business model design for an international market”
This block guides participants in transforming an idea into a structured and internationally viable project. Through the IDéO method, they build a global scenario, design an entrepreneurial strategy and integrate sustainability, corporate social responsibility and emerging technologies. Participants lay the foundations for a solid and coherent business model.
Block 3 – “Prototyping your ideas”
This final day is dedicated to materializing the project. Drawing on the FabLab approach and tools such as eye tracking for acceptability testing, participants confront their idea with real-world constraints. Prototyping helps refine the concept and enrich the project through user and stakeholder feedback.
A valuable experience for your academic and professional path
Throughout the week, experts will support participants in :
- Transforming a patent or concept into a structured project
- Building a solid and internationally oriented business model
- Integrating current challenges related to sustainability and technological innovation
- Developing transferable skills sought after in research, innovation and entrepreneurship
Whether participants are considering an academic career, an entrepreneurial PhD pathway or a position in public or private innovation ecosystems, this programme strengthens their profile and their ability to lead complex projects.
Participation options
Two possibilities are available :
- Apply for Block 1 only
- Apply for all three blocks
Selected block(s) must be attended in full.
Practical Information
Target audience: Master’s students, engineering students and PhD students
Language: English
Financial support:
Accommodation and catering are covered by the ORION programme. Participants from the UniGR network are invited to contact the UniGR officers within their home university regarding possible support for travel expenses.