Research Commercialization
Research commercialisation is the process by which new or improved technologies, products, processes and services that have arisen from research are brought to market. It is a valuable mechanism that enables us to solve real problems and fulfil unmet needs, creating significant economic and societal value as a result.
The route to success is shaped by the unique nature of your innovation, your target market and long-term goals. UKRI is here to help you navigate the commercialisation landscape, supporting you every step of the way.
What is commercialization/ technology transfer?
Knowledge exchange is the process of sharing knowledge with the public. Examples include academic publication, exchanges at conferences, and relationships with industry. Technology transfer or commercialisation is a subset of this knowledge sharing which aims to achieve impact in the community and which may or may not come with financial reward.
How is commercialization/ technology transfer done at FV?
No researcher commercialises their work alone.
No matter where you are at in your career or where you are on your commercialisation journey, the Founders' Valley Research team is dedicated to partnering with you to ensure that your research has impact in the world.
From patent attorneys to seasoned entrepreneurs, you’ll find the expert support you need within the FV team to turn your research into a commercially viable venture.
By providing you with individual and dedicated support, advice, education and mentorship, the FV team can help you to turn your bold ideas into reality and contribute significant outcomes towards the organization's Impact 2028 strategy to address global challenges.
What is the role of FV in technology transfer?
The FV team is comprised of three groups:
Commercialisation
New Ventures
The Generator
The Commercialisation team is comprised of commercialisation managers and patent attorneys. The Commercialisation Team work with inventors and creators of Intellectual Property (IP) to:
assess the commercial opportunity of an invention
secure the IP
seek partners for licensing the IP
How long does it take for an invention to get to market?
The amount of time to progress an IP creation from invention to market depends on what the technology is, stage of development, demand for the technology, how strenuous the statutory regulations are, and the time, effort and resources required to get it to market. This process can take a number of months.
It is important to make sure that you submit your invention disclosure well in advance of any conferences or publication releases which may present your research.
How can I avoid breaching confidentiality before a patent is filed?
Disclosing information about your invention in the public sphere will likely prevent your invention from being patented. Even sharing details to other researchers in conversation or through a conference abstract will reduce your chances of obtaining a patent protection.
What options do I have in entrepreneurship as a researcher?
If you want to be involved in a spinout or startup, you should decide your level of involvement (which may change over time). If you only want to be partially involved, you could be a scientific advisor, consultant or contractor. If you decide you would like to be fully involved, you could be anything from chief executive to researcher. FV tean can discuss options with you.
What is the difference between licensing and spinout companies?
Everyone involved in doing the research and ‘creating’ the invention must be included on the patent as an inventor.
The creators’ share of revenue under the licence is distributed equally amongst all creators, unless they collectively agree in writing to a different distribution. Creators can indicate uneven distributions on the Invention Disclosure form or they can sign a Distribution of Benefits Agreement.
How are creator revenues distributed if there are multiple inventors?
The creators’ share of revenue under the licence is distributed equally amongst all creators, unless they collectively agree in writing to a different distribution. Creators can indicate uneven distributions on the Invention Disclosure form or they can sign a Distribution of Benefits Agreement.