Challenge
In 2014, Oxford Oracle worked with Queen's University Belfast (the university) to support the commercialisation of their portfolio of technologies from the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science.
The Oracle's Solution
Oxford Oracle reviewed technologies in the university pipeline and provided an expert opinion on the potential for commercialisation, involving assessment of each project against defined criteria. Recommendations were made for the next steps and Oxford Oracle supported the commercialisation of four high priority projects. During 2014 and 2015, Oxford Oracle worked with Queen's University Belfast (the university) over a three-month period to support the commercialisation of their portfolio of technologies from the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science. In the first phase of this project, Oxford Oracle reviewed technologies in the university pipeline and provided an expert opinion on the potential for commercialisation. This involved assessing each project against defined criteria, including technology readiness, IP strength, the technology's value proposition, market and competitive environment, and potential for industry engagement. Based on this initial review, Oxford Oracle then recommended next steps and supported the commercialisation of four high priority projects. During this second phase, Oxford Oracle worked with the university and their academic teams to validate the IP strategy, provide advice on licensing negotiation, identify sources of funding, decide on the most appropriate industry engagement strategy, and make initial introductions to potential licensees. The results of this project for the university are a robust method of assessing projects in their life sciences portfolio, external validation of their commercialisation strategy, introductions to relevant contacts in the pharmaceutical industry, and ultimately helping the university priority projects move closer towards a licensing deal.
Consequential Impact
As a result, the university has a robust method of assessing projects in their life sciences portfolio, external validation of their commercialisation strategy and introductions to relevant contacts in the pharmaceutical industry.