FAQ
Here we have prepared some of the questions that we get asked more often. Questions are relevant for researchers from all levels at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, from bachelor to professor.
If you have more questions, do not hesitate to contact us at innovation@sund.ku.dk
A: There are many factors to consider when assessing the commercial potential of an invention, but the most important one is that your invention addresses an unmet need. Once an unmet need is identified and validated, it is time to do some research! First, it is important to understand whether you can protect your invention with relevant intellectual property rights and to make sure that you are not infringing others. This is especially important in lengthy and costly projects, such as drug development. However, the type and requirements regarding intellectual property rights may differ depending on the scope and area of your project. Second, you should analyze the market space that you are targeting, its size, complexity, development process, future expectations and competitors to get a sense of the requirements and probabilities of succeeding. Third, you will have to consider the maturity level of your invention as well as the time and efforts needed to take it to market. This is important because, eventually, investors want to understand the total investment required and when a return can be expected. Fourth, you need to have a team of people that can support the commercialization process to increase probability of success, covering different disciplines like business, drug development, entrepreneurship, etc. However, each invention is unique and so it is the assessment of its commercial potential. As you may expect, making a commercial assessment and the journey to commercialization require quite some time and work; but no worries, you are not alone, we are here to help you.
A: Regarded for many as “the dark side”, commercialization of research is the only way to ensure that your discoveries and inventions have an impact on Society. It allows the application of great ideas in the shape of new products and services with the potential to benefit others. Revenues from commercialization of your research can generate more funding for basic research for both your group and the University. Moreover, being a successful inventor is a great addition to your researcher profile, which could facilitate the attraction of even more funding from a large variety of sources and facilitate external collaborations. Overall, commercialization can give you more resources and independence to continue conducting your own research, have a real impact, and explore new and exciting professional paths.
A: Although, the idea to commercialize your research should be taken into consideration in early ideation stages, if you are employed at UCPH, the commercialization process officially starts with an invention disclosure, a document that briefly describes how the results of your research could be applied in the shape of a new invention. This document is sent by the researchers to UCPH’s Tech Transfer Office who will assess your invention and decide whether the University wishes to claim its rights or not. This decision takes mainly two factors into account: the commercial potential of the invention and the possibility to protect it with the relevant intellectual property rights. If the Tech Transfer Office considers that the commercial potential is too small or, more often, is unable to protect your invention, they will not claim the rights to your invention. In this situation, the rights of the invention will be transferred back to the researcher that disclosed it. However, if the Tech Transfer Office sees a clear potential in the invention and believes that it can be protected, it will claim its rights and proceed with the preparation of a patent application in order to protect your invention. Once the patent is filed and granted, the Tech Transfer Office will seek to commercialize your invention. There are many ways to commercialize your invention. However, the most common one is through licensing agreements to either already existing companies or new ones, which can originate from the University itself, the so-called spinouts.
A: Yes! In fact, there are plenty of people eager to help you. We, at The Pipeline, are ready to support you at any time in your journey. Among others, we offer business development and research commercialization support, training in entrepreneurship and innovation, guidance and a large network of industry specialists and experienced entrepreneurs. We do so in close collaboration with our colleagues at Research Support and the Tech Transfer Office.
A: Yes, we do! Throughout the year, we organize and participate in many events to promote and train both students and researchers in innovation, entrepreneurship and research commercialization. Check out our website to find out what courses we currently offer or contact us directly if you want to know more about them or are interested in getting our help to organize any event.
A: The sooner you contact us, the better. Early engagement can help shaping the development of your project as well as the commercialization activities connected to it. Even at the ideation phase, it might be helpful to start considering the commercial potential and you are more than welcome to contact us.
Q: Who can use your services?
A: Everyone at SUND is welcome to use our services. We have different offers for students, PhDs, postdocs, professors, clinicians and everything in between. Check out our website what activities suit you best or contact us directly if you want some guidance.
Q: Do I need to pay anything for your services?
A: All our services are free of charge for all students and researchers at SUND.
Q: Do you offer any funding?
A: Unfortunately, we are not able to offer any funding to researchers at the moment. However, we will make sure to direct you to all relevant funding sources and assist you in the application process. In the meantime, you can find many funding sources here (only for UCPH students and employees).