Saint-Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) and Berytech have partnered to launch the Research2Market program, an initiative designed to empower researchers, doctoral students, and innovators to transform applied research into tangible, market-ready innovations and successful startups across all sectors. By accelerating the commercialization of research, the program aims to contribute to Lebanon's industrial renewal, fostering innovation-led growth and promoting locally developed technologies.
Program Support and Objectives
Research2Market equips researchers with essential entrepreneurial skills through a structured approach that includes tailored mentoring, hands-on capacity-building workshops, and access to extensive expert networks. The primary objectives are to enable participants to:
• Bring their innovations to the market.
• Unlock regional partnerships.
• Pursue licensing opportunities.
• Access long-term funding.
Target Audience
The program is specifically designed for researchers, instructors, innovators, engineers, and doctoral candidates from USJ who have applied research projects or technologies ready to transition from the laboratory to the market. It primarily targets senior researchers and PhD candidates who demonstrate strong research outputs, high potential for commercialization and societal impact, and an aspiration to create startup spinoffs with international visibility.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Prospective teams and projects will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
• An applied, innovative, and technology-based research project with an existing prototype or a tested proof of concept.
• A project that addresses a significant economic and/or social challenge.
• Demonstrated market relevance and proven economic viability.
• Potential for scalability at a national, regional, or international level.
• A committed team with relevant expertise, strong motivation, and a clear intellectual property governance model, including at least one dedicated founding member.
• Openness to interdisciplinary collaboration with active engagement across USJ faculties and institutes.
• A firm commitment to participating in the program's support activities.
Program Phases and Timeline
• Phase 1: Call for Applications and Selection (February 11 – April 10, 2026): Researchers and research teams are invited to apply with their applied research or technology-focused projects. Following an evaluation, four teams will be selected to join the program.
• Phase 2: Intensive Training (Early May 2026): The four selected teams will participate in a 3-day intensive entrepreneurial training titled "From Lab to Market – Transforming Applied Research into Viable Business Models." This phase focuses on linking academic research with market application through interactive sessions led by experts from Berytech, USJ, and the industry.
• Phase 3: Acceleration Phase (May – June 2026): Over two months, the four teams will focus on market validation and business model refinement. They will test hypotheses, engage with potential users, and strengthen key project elements such as market needs, financial feasibility, and legal structure. At the end of this phase, two teams will be selected to advance.
• Phase 4: Incubation Phase (July – September 2026): The final two teams will enter a three-month incubation phase, receiving tailored technical and business support to advance their projects. Each team will receive a personalized action plan and benefit from one-on-one coaching, expert access, and use of laboratories to structure their enterprises.
• Phase 5: Jury and Pitching Event (October 2026): The program concludes with a public pitching event where the two incubated teams present their projects to a panel of experts, collaborators, and ecosystem stakeholders. A final winning project will be selected to receive the program's prize.
This initiative provides a comprehensive framework for the academic community to bridge the gap between research and market application, offering a clear pathway for turning innovative discoveries into impactful commercial ventures.