A UK Research University, UK
Challenge
A UK research university identified Oxford Oracle as a partner who could complement their team to provide expert support in the evaluation of projects and invention disclosures, and in commercialising technologies. Between 2012 and 2016, Oxford Oracle built a strong partnership with a UK research university providing technology transfer support and streamlining its intellectual property (IP) portfolio so that resources can be focused on the most promising technologies in both the life and physical sciences.
The Oracle's Solution
Oxford Oracle worked with a UK research university under a technology transfer partnership agreement over the course of four years, building a trusted partnership to evaluate the university's portfolio, providing expertise to take projects forward and helping to secure new spinouts and commercial deals. On a day-to-day basis, Oxford Oracle provided additional capacity and skills with essential technology transfer support in two primary areas: technology evaluation, including market intelligence, dialogue with a UK research university academics and funding applications; and the management of the existing IP portfolio. An essential part of the Oxford Oracle contribution was its re-evaluation of the UK research university patent portfolio, enabling the university to decide where its resources should be focused. The review analysed innovations according to performance, the technology readiness level and the potential market size. Oxford Oracle then made recommendations on a case-by-case basis, categorising each according to whether it should be actively promoted, kept under review or abandoned. Outcome: This systematic approach increased the portfolios likelihood of generating income by focusing on the most promising projects, and reduced unnecessary disbursement of the patent budget. Asto-optics is an example of success in converting a technical innovation from the Aston portfolio into a commercial opportunity. Oxford Oracle led a Technology Transfer Partnership where we provided on-site TT operational and strategic support for their Technology Transfer Office (TTO). (2014-16)
- Technology Transfer (TT) support (Apr 2018)
- Technology Transfer (TT) support (Mar 2017-June 2018) Oxford Oracle reviewed the university's IP portfolio, evaluating each patent and technology against defined criteria so that those with the greatest commercial potential could be prioritised. Between 2012 and 2016 Oxford Oracle built a partnership with a UK research university, providing technology transfer support and streamlining its intellectual property (IP) portfolio. Oxford Oracle's hands-on advice and expertise allowed Aston's resources to be focused on the most promising technologies in both the life and physical sciences. Oxford Oracle reviewed Aston's IP portfolio, evaluating each patent and technology against defined criteria so that those demonstrating the greatest commercial potential could be prioritised.
Consequential Impact
The result was a leaner and healthier portfolio that has produced valuable technologies ready for spin-out and licensing, and generated about 50, 000 in savings for the university. A leaner and healthier portfolio that has produced valuable technologies ready for spin-out and licensing; and saving of ~1/3 of their patent costs per year.