The IGNITE TTO Team are here to assist all researchers on there commercial journey and invite you to view the information below or contact us any time.
1. We work with you to Develop a Technology Roadmap by following this simple process:
Ignite TTO is responsible for providing assistance and support in order to protect any inventions created at NUI Galway, but also to support the creation of new companies or technology licenses. The following Technology Roadmap outlines the key areas of focus at IGNITE TTO.
2. Intellectual Property
Core to commercialisation is the generation and execution of Intellectual Property (IP) which is supported through IGNIT_E TTO. Our team works internally with technologists in the generation and protection of IP, defining project plans and putting in place the foundations to guide the technologist along a commercialisation path.
The TTO team delivers a key message to the academic environment: “To get an innovation to market you must do more than just develop a technology that works – you must ensure your invention meets a genuine market need, protect it & exploit it.”
IP is the general term for intangible property rights which are a result of intellectual effort. IP refers to creations of the mind, including inventions, patents, know-how and trade secrets, literary and artistic works and other copyright-protectable material (e.g., software), symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce. It is important to protect IP for the following reasons:
· Contributes toward the development of a knowledge society
· Attracts and protects investment
· Ensures good return on development costs
· Promotes innovation
· Creates barriers to entry
· Generates licensing income
NUI Galway IP Policy NUI Galway with primary concern for the education and training of students and the advancement, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge recognises that the various activities of its academic staff, students and employees may produce patents, copyrights, and inventions which further these goals. The purpose of this section is to set out an Intellectual Property Policy for the Unisupport versity to cover patents, copyright, and inventions arising in the course of academic activities. This Policy is intended to encourage staff to develop and to protect ideas of possible commercial significance by means of established channels.
Policy on Intellectual Property This policy provides a mechanism for bringing University inventions into the public realm and promote maximum utilisation of such inventions for the greatest possible public benefit
Useful links on intellectual property ·
· Irish Patent Office
· UK Patent Office
· World Intellectual Property Organization
European Patent Search Engine
US Patent Search Engine ( http://www.uspto.gov/)
Patent Search Engines useful links
The TTO team delivers a key message to the academic environment: “To get an innovation to market you must do more than just develop a technology that works – you must ensure your invention meets a genuine market need, protect it & exploit it.”
IP is the general term for intangible property rights which are a result of intellectual effort. IP refers to creations of the mind, including inventions, patents, know-how and trade secrets, literary and artistic works and other copyright-protectable material (e.g., software), symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce. It is important to protect IP for the following reasons:
· Contributes toward the development of a knowledge society
· Attracts and protects investment
· Ensures good return on development costs
· Promotes innovation
· Creates barriers to entry
· Generates licensing income
NUI Galway IP Policy NUI Galway with primary concern for the education and training of students and the advancement, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge recognises that the various activities of its academic staff, students and employees may produce patents, copyrights, and inventions which further these goals. The purpose of this section is to set out an Intellectual Property Policy for the Unisupport versity to cover patents, copyright, and inventions arising in the course of academic activities. This Policy is intended to encourage staff to develop and to protect ideas of possible commercial significance by means of established channels.
Policy on Intellectual Property This policy provides a mechanism for bringing University inventions into the public realm and promote maximum utilisation of such inventions for the greatest possible public benefit
Useful links on intellectual property ·
· Irish Patent Office
· UK Patent Office
· World Intellectual Property Organization
European Patent Search Engine
US Patent Search Engine ( http://www.uspto.gov/)
Patent Search Engines useful links
- European Patent Search Engine
- British Patent Search Engine
- US Patent Search Engine
- Irish Patent Office
3. Commercialisation Process
The commercialisation process can be divided into the following three key activities:
I. IP Identification
II. Protection of IP
III. Commercialisation of IP
The next section introduces each activity and the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to support each activity.
I. Identification
Training
Training is provided to principal investigators and researchers with the aim of creating awareness of intellectual property (IP), of how to record it (lab notebooks), of how to identify IP, how to protect it, the obligations of the inventors w.r.t. their research contracts and the university’s IP Policy.
IP Monitoring and Scouting
This activity involves monitoring research projects for potential IP through regular meetings with PIs and their researchers. Larger (particularly SFI and EI funded) projects may have a formal IP committee which also supports this activity.
Invention Disclosure Form
On identifying IP an Invention Disclosure Form (IDF) is completed. The IDF is the formal point of entry of a technology to the Technology Transfer Office.
Evaluating
The next step is the evaluation of commercial potential and due diligence regarding ownership and access rights to the idea, and necessary background IP.
II. Protection
The next activity in the process is to review and select the most appropriate means of protecting the idea. Several factors such as stage of idea development, novelty, prior art, funding, commercial exploitability are used to select the most appropriate course of protection.
Drafting and Filing
The inventor, patent agent and commercialisation executive work closely together to draft a specification that captures both the idea and its commercial applications.
Patent Management
There are several stages of patent filing in different jurisdictions that require management and defensive material is prepared where appropriate. In some cases, attendance at hearings with the patent offices is required. Patent support is provided by Enterprise Ireland ( currently subject to review by Enterprise Ireland).
Trademark Management
The TTO is responsible for the trademark registration process for NUI Galway and maintaining records of same.
III. Commercialisation
Technology Development
The TTO then helps to identify the most appropriate funding opportunity for the technology and supports the inventor throughout the application process.
Value Proposition
A value proposition is one of the most critical elements in an IP marketing campaign. It tells third parties why they should license from you or partner with you. The more specific the offer is in terms of benefits to the customer, the better.
Partner Identification and Development
The value proposition is defined in a technology capsule which gives a brief non confidential introduction to the technology, and its benefits over existing solutions. Key players are identified by market analysis and route to market. Depending on the stage of technology development the partner may require the technology to be validated in a specific environment. A project plan and funding requirements may need to be developed.
Deal Negotiation and Execution
An initial heads of agreement outlining the key terms to be agreed is circulated and discussed. Later more detailed agreements are drafted and negotiated and finally the TTO arrange royalty payments monitor milestone payments thereafter.
I. IP Identification
II. Protection of IP
III. Commercialisation of IP
The next section introduces each activity and the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to support each activity.
I. Identification
Training
Training is provided to principal investigators and researchers with the aim of creating awareness of intellectual property (IP), of how to record it (lab notebooks), of how to identify IP, how to protect it, the obligations of the inventors w.r.t. their research contracts and the university’s IP Policy.
IP Monitoring and Scouting
This activity involves monitoring research projects for potential IP through regular meetings with PIs and their researchers. Larger (particularly SFI and EI funded) projects may have a formal IP committee which also supports this activity.
Invention Disclosure Form
On identifying IP an Invention Disclosure Form (IDF) is completed. The IDF is the formal point of entry of a technology to the Technology Transfer Office.
Evaluating
The next step is the evaluation of commercial potential and due diligence regarding ownership and access rights to the idea, and necessary background IP.
II. Protection
The next activity in the process is to review and select the most appropriate means of protecting the idea. Several factors such as stage of idea development, novelty, prior art, funding, commercial exploitability are used to select the most appropriate course of protection.
Drafting and Filing
The inventor, patent agent and commercialisation executive work closely together to draft a specification that captures both the idea and its commercial applications.
Patent Management
There are several stages of patent filing in different jurisdictions that require management and defensive material is prepared where appropriate. In some cases, attendance at hearings with the patent offices is required. Patent support is provided by Enterprise Ireland ( currently subject to review by Enterprise Ireland).
Trademark Management
The TTO is responsible for the trademark registration process for NUI Galway and maintaining records of same.
III. Commercialisation
Technology Development
The TTO then helps to identify the most appropriate funding opportunity for the technology and supports the inventor throughout the application process.
Value Proposition
A value proposition is one of the most critical elements in an IP marketing campaign. It tells third parties why they should license from you or partner with you. The more specific the offer is in terms of benefits to the customer, the better.
Partner Identification and Development
The value proposition is defined in a technology capsule which gives a brief non confidential introduction to the technology, and its benefits over existing solutions. Key players are identified by market analysis and route to market. Depending on the stage of technology development the partner may require the technology to be validated in a specific environment. A project plan and funding requirements may need to be developed.
Deal Negotiation and Execution
An initial heads of agreement outlining the key terms to be agreed is circulated and discussed. Later more detailed agreements are drafted and negotiated and finally the TTO arrange royalty payments monitor milestone payments thereafter.
4. coaching & Mentoring
IGNITE Technology Transfer Office at NUI Galway is pleased to announce the launch of commercialisation mentoring & training workshops aimed to help researchers, individuals and innovative enterprises access specialist advice to prepare their technology to be ready for, and attract investment. The sessions are most suited to those wishing to commercialise, and believe that their technology has commercial potential, but are unsure of the next steps, we will guide you through this Process.
5. Business Start up information pack
6. WEbinar
7. Research Grants
The Research Office has responsibility for the development and promotion of the University's research effort, with the ultimate objective of increasing the overall research performance of NUI Galway in the domain of research. The office carries out a central research support function for NUI Galway academic and research staff by providing a range of research support services, assistance and intelligence to researchers on a range of funded research programmes supported by national and international funding agencies.