Turning creative ideas into commercial opportunities

Turn your creative idea into something customers want - and will pay for. This practical session introduces Digispin Lite, a tool specially adapted for creative innovators exploring new commercial possibilities. Delivered by Albi Lamaj and Elida Dode, who bring deep expertise from Coventry University’s innovation and commercialisation ecosystem who run the flagship DigiSpin programme.

Key takeaways:

• Tools for validating whether your idea has a real commercial audience
• Ways to test ideas quickly without spending a lot of money
• A clearer understanding of who your customers are and what they care about
• Guidance on shaping your value proposition so it resonates
• Structured support for taking your idea from “concept” to “market-ready”

Why join:

Perfect for creatives with promising ideas but no clear route to market. You’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and practical next steps.

About the speakers

Albi Lamaj

Albi Lamaj is the Associate Director of Intellectual Property at Coventry University’s Innovation Ecosystem. She leads initiatives in technology transfer, IP commercialisation, and spin-out development. Albi plays a key role in projects like DigiSpin WM, supporting innovation and economic growth across the West Midlands. Albi Lamaj is the Principal Investigator and strategic lead for DigiSpin West Midlands, a pioneering programme funded by Research England to transform how universities collaborate on technology transfer, spin-out creation, and IP commercialisation.

She led the successful funding bid to Research England, developed the programme’s strategic framework, and has overseen its delivery across three universities, bringing together institutional partners, stakeholders, and regional priorities to create a shared innovation model. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving the programme’s vision, delivery, and long-term impact.

In her wider role at Coventry University, Albi leads IP strategy and commercialisation within the Innovation Ecosystem, supporting staff, students and researchers to translate cutting-edge research into real-world impact through licensing, partnerships, and spin-out ventures.

Elida Dode - IP Commercialisation Executive

Elida Dode is an IP Commercialisation Executive at Coventry University and a key contributor to the DigiSpin West Midlands team. She supports the commercialisation of academic innovations, focusing on IP assessment, protection, and strategy. With a background in law and expertise in tech transfer, Elida helps drive regional collaboration and spin-out development.

What Is CreaTech Frontiers?

CreaTech Frontiers is a 5-year £7.2 million project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) establishing a West Midlands CreaTech ecosystem by funding collaborative R&D, supporting business innovation and developing skills and talent.

More details: https://createchfrontiers.com/

Photography & Filming Notice

This event will be filmed and photographed. Footage may be used in post-event materials, highlights, and social media. If you prefer not to appear on camera, please let a member of the team know on arrival.