Posted: 22 June 2007
UCD invention disclosures up by 50%
UCD researchers submitted 37 invention disclosures in 2006, up 50% on the number for the previous year, according to NovaUCD, the Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre at University College Dublin.
In its 2006 Annual Report, NovaUCD noted 15 priority patent applications, three PCT applications and 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.
“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,” said Dr Pat Frain, Director, NovaUCD.
“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.”
“This is good news for the Irish economy since it will result in more opportunities to generate new indigenous high-tech ventures and to attract overseas investment in R&D, factors which are essential for the development of our knowledge-based economy,” he continued.
Currently twenty-two knowledge-intensive companies occupy 85% of NovaUCD’s incubation space. NovaUCD’s 14 desk spaces, which are available to individuals who are at the early stages of forming a company are also occupied thus ensuring a strong pipeline of future new ventures.
“International experience shows that there is a long lead-time involved in commercialising the results of university research. However, these early results may help to ease pressures to demonstrate a return on the growing public investment in R&D,” concluded Dr Frain.
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 comprising advice, seminars, consultancy, workshops and individual training. NovaUCD is the main point of contact for companies seeking partners for collaborative research and advice on licensing and other commercial opportunities.