NOVA University Innovation > For Students & Researchers > IP & Knowledge Valorization > Knowledge and Technology Transfer Process

Knowledge and Technology Transfer Process

“The knowledge transfer process can be summarized in the steps below. Please note that:

(i) these steps can vary in sequence and often occur simultaneously;

(ii) this particular flow is essentially focused on research commercialization, although there are other forms knowledge transfer and valorization – not necessarily linked to direct revenue streams or channeled through more informal relations – that are also an important part of our mission, namely research communication, education or staff expertise that can positively impact the life of citizens and improve society; and

(iii) that this process may take months or even years to complete. For inventions, the amount of time depends on several factors such as the Technology Readiness Level (TRL), potential markets, competing technologies, additional work needed to bring the technology to the market, available resources, or the willingness of the inventors.

RESEARCH

Observations and experiments during research activities often lead to discoveries, inventions or other research outputs (e.g., software, research materials) with potential commercial value. Often, multiple researchers may have contributed to a certain IPR.

PRE-DISCLOSURE

An early contact with NOVA Impact (or IRIS if you are related to FCT NOVA, or the Innovation Unit if you are related to ITQB) to discuss your idea and to provide guidance with respect to the disclosure, evaluation, and protection processes further described.

DISCLOSURE FORM

Formal report of the invention or Copyrightable material to NOVA specialized services – the written notice that begins the formal transfer process. The Invention or Copyright Disclosure Form remains a confidential document and should fully document your invention so that the options for commercialization can be evaluated and pursued.

ASSESSMENT / EVALUATION

The period in which the Disclosure Form is reviewed (with your input), prior art searches are conducted, in addition to market analysis to determine the commercialization potential of the disclosed research outputs. The evaluation process will guide the best strategy to commercially explore the disclosed results, that may pass to sell or licensing to an existing company, creating a new business start-up or social enterprise or, if applicable, collaborating with industrial partners to increase the TRL prior to commercialization.

PROTECTION OF IP

The process in which the best protection route is defined to maximize the social and economic impact of the research outputs. In case of patent protections, the process typically starts with the filing of a patent application within INPI and, when appropriate, international applications. Protection and maintenance fees may require thousands of euros, particularly if the inventions are protected internationally. Other protection options include Copyright, trademark, design or trade secret, for example.

MARKETING

Although this process is conducted by the University, the active involvement of inventors/authors can dramatically enhance its success. This process relates to the sourcing of potential licensees and/or candidate companies with expertise, resources and business to bring the work or technology to the market, which includes its showcase in national and international platforms or events. Marketing efforts can also focus on finding industry sponsors to fund additional research or proof-of-concept studies.

FIND A LICENSEE OR FORM A SPIN-OFF

In cases where the invention can best be commercialized by one or more existing companies, NOVA will seek potential licensees (i.e. potential commercialization partners) and work to identify mutual interests, goals and plans to fully commercialize this technology. If the creation of a new business spin-off presents as the optimal commercialization path, NOVA will work, within its capabilities, to assist the founders in the company development.

NEGOTIATION / LICENSING

After a negotiation process to define the terms and conditions for the commercialization of the IP asset, a license agreement is made between NOVA and a third party, in which NOVA’s rights to a technology or Copyrighted material are licensed for financial and other benefits. This applies both to new spin- offs and established companies. NOVA Spin-offs formally recognized as such can obtain an exclusive license of an IP right developed by its promoters, free of charge until the commercialization stage.

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

The licensee company continues the advancement of the licensed IP and makes other business investments to develop the product or service. This step may entail further development, regulatory approvals, sales and marketing, support, training, and other activities.

REVENUES

Revenues received by NOVA from licensees are distributed to inventors/authors, to Organics Units, and to Research Units or research groups to support new R&D and innovation activities. The development and commercialization of innovative solutions has the ultimate goal of giving back to society, by contributing to the economic development and social welfare of the country, and to the creation of highly qualified jobs.