An MK Tech Week panel discussion on why great technology alone isn't enough to build a successful business.

The UK is home to world-class innovation. Yet many promising technology businesses never achieve the commercial success their ideas deserve.

The challenge isn't always the technology.

It's finding the first customers, validating the market, building repeatable revenue, making the right commercial decisions and knowing when, and how, to scale.

The Commercialisation Gap brings together experienced business leaders to explore what really happens between developing an innovative product and building a successful business.

Through an honest, interactive discussion, our panel will share the realities of commercialising innovation, from early customer conversations and strategic partnerships to scaling, funding and sustainable growth. Expect practical lessons, honest reflections and advice you can apply to your own business.

Whether you're building your first product, preparing for growth or supporting innovative businesses, you'll leave with fresh ideas and actionable insights from people who've experienced the journey first-hand.

Who should attend?

This session is designed for:

Founders and entrepreneurs

Technology and innovation businesses

Scale-ups preparing for growth

Investors and advisers

University spin-outs

What you'll take away

Why great technology alone rarely builds a successful business

The biggest commercialisation challenges founders face

How successful businesses find product-market fit

Lessons from commercialising innovative technology

Practical insights into sustainable business growth

Time to network with fellow founders and ecosystem partners

Continue your Founder Journey

This session forms part of a founder-focused programme running throughout the day as part of Milton Keynes Tech Week.

12:00–1:00pm

Investor Ready: What Investors Really Look For (Hosted by ThatRound)

Discover the difference between being investible and investor-ready, hear directly from investors and founders who have successfully raised funding, and learn how to prepare your business for investment.

➡️ Book here: (link TBC)

1:30-4:00pm

Founders' Lounge (Hosted by Central Arc Angels)

Continue the conversation with investors, experienced founders and expert advisers in a relaxed, confidential environment. Whether you're looking for feedback, introductions or guidance on your next steps, this is an opportunity to have meaningful one-to-one conversations with people who can help move your business forward.

➡️ Book here: (Link TBC)

Description supplied by the event organiser.