Technology transfer

Context: A leading US university was experiencing poor feedback from academics and industry partners regarding tech transfer, with poor spin-out to patent ratio as a central concern.

Solution: Academics within the institution and industry partners were surveyed to fully understand their requirements. Data were collected from other leading institutions to provide a benchmark level for the client to aim for in terms of tech transfer. The university’s intellectual property was landscaped and an assessment of how best to leverage existing and future IP was made, based on consultation with an industrial scientific advisory board appointed by IPAV.

Outcome: The local venture capital community became increasingly engaged in the IP portfolio review both as advisors appointed by IPAV and through community wide interest. Consequently, the university began to receive proactive enquiries from potential investors and strategic partners, with plan for improved entrepreneurship training for academic and technology transfer office staff now underway.