Dr Pat Frain, Director, NovaUCD
NovaUCD, the Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre at University College Dublin has reported a strong growth in commercial opportunities arising from UCD research during 2006, and an increase of 50% in the number of invention disclosures.
During 2006 UCD researchers submitted 37 invention disclosures, 15 priority patent applications, 3 PCT applications. Two national/regional patent applications were filed for intellectual property in life sciences, engineering and information and communication technology. Eleven licence agreements were also concluded with a range of indigenous and international companies.
Launching the 2006 Report, Dr Pat Frain, Director, NovaUCD said, “The significant increase in invention disclosures is indicative of a growing awareness among UCD researchers of the need to protect and commercialise research-generated intellectual property for the benefit of the economy and society. Recent initiatives aimed at strengthening the support provided for technology transfer at NovaUCD, coupled with increasing research activity at the university, will help to further increase the level of commercial activity.”
NovaUCD is responsible for the implementation of UCD policies relating to the commercialisation of intellectual property arising from UCD’s research programmes and for the provision of advice on the identification, protection and exploitation of this intellectual property. NovaUCD also provides entrepreneurs and knowledge-based start-up companies with incubation facilities, including bio-incubation space, and a comprehensive business support programme.
Currently twenty-two knowledge-intensive companies occupy 85% of NovaUCD’s incubation space.
