The Commercialization Process
The UIRF receives technologies from departments all over campus. Due to the very nascent nature of most university inventions, many do not result in licensing. Approximately 20% of the UI technology portfolio is currently licensed, and a smaller fraction of those generate revenue.
Commercialization Stages
1. Initial Screening:
The UIRF evaluates the invention or idea based on the nature of the
technology, the potential intellectual property strength, a market analysis
for potential products/services, and a brief commercialization analysis.
This process is expanded upon in the IP
Review Process page.
2. In-Depth Commercial Assessment:
During this stage, the UIRF team investigates possible synergies between
the technology and potential business partners. The proper commercialization
pathway is also evaluated at this point, assessing whether it is best
to pursue licensing to an established company, licensing to an existing
startup, or creating a new UI spinout company. See For
Ventures for more information on the criteria for forming a new
UI spinout company. For licensing to existing companies, the team will
explore a number of opportunities within a targeted industry, and assess
the strengths of strategic partnerships with existing players in an
attempt to identify those companies best suited to license the technology
and bring it to market.
3. Marketing:
Following the identification of suitable partners, marketing begins.
Partnership opportunities are discussed with key external contacts for
evaluation. Industry representatives will often contact the researcher,
particularly at conferences, or after publications. They may be crucial
contacts that serve as market entry points. Once engaged, potential
partners or the UIRF may request confidentiality, material transfer,
or option agreements be put into place so that the technology can be
more fully evaluated prior to licensing. The UIRF will negotiate and
execute these agreements.
4. Licensing:
If a company is interested in a licensing a technology, the UIRF will
negotiate the terms of the license. A number of key terms, such as field
of use, diligence criteria, up-front fees, maintenance fees, royalty
fees and types, equity, and termination provisions are discussed. Researchers
are not involved in this negotiation, but may be consulted regarding
aspects of the license agreement. Once a technology has been licensed,
the UIRF maintains an ongoing relationship with the licensee. This relationship
helps to keep open avenues for further technologies as well as to ensure
that the terms of the licensing agreement are upheld.