Technology Transfer Program
We help commercialize inventions/processes/know-how that are novel, advanced-technologies with high-growth potential.
The Technology Transfer Program:
- provides services to qualified regional inventors and researchers at several Alberta institutions
- provides exclusive services to University of Alberta researchers pursuing commercialization of inventions
- seeks worldwide opportunities for technology transfer, with priority consideration in Edmonton,
- optimizes return on intellectual property (IP) to the inventor and TEC Edmonton, and value to receptor industries
Our teams work with researchers to bring ideas to market.
TEC Edmonton:
- receives reports of invention (invention disclosures) from inventors
- evaluates commercial potential of inventions
- considers best methods to help researchers protect their intellectual property (IP) and guide U of A inventors on the U of A Patent Policy.
- markets technology licensing opportunities (more than 40 technologies are currently publicly marketed) and builds strategic relationships with industry
- helps U of A researchers in the administration of research agreements with other inventors, universities or companies.
For more information, contact a team manager.
Commercialization Steps, from University Lab to Market:
1. U of A researcher submits Report of Invention (ROI) to TEC Edmonton.
2. Researcher may consult with our staff about routes to commercialization. The researcher decides one of two options:
o assign technology ownership to the University of Alberta, or
o develop technology independent of the University
3. When a researcher assigns ownership of an invention to the University of Alberta, the researcher receives expert assistance focused on producing commercial success, and support in the commercialization process. If the technology is assigned to the University, TEC Edmonton's Technology Transfer Group follows these steps with the researcher:
1. Ownership due dilligence
2. Technology assesment and recommendation: Our staff evaluate the technology and conduct market research to determine commercial potential or industry interest.
3. Intellectual property (IP) protection: Our staff file a patent application (or trademark protection or copyright registration), and manage the patent prosecution process. This may include covering initial statutory protection expenses and/or will seek other support to take on the financial risk.
4. Marketing of the technology: We identify potential industrial and/or financial partners, and market technology to suitable companies.
5. Technology partnering through:
§ licensing of technology to an existing company, (see #6)
or
§ formation of spin-off company, if it is more appropriate to create a new company based on the technology than license to existing firm (see JumpStart Program)
6. Negotiate and administer agreements: When a target receptor company indicates interest in licensing a technology, we negotiate terms of the legal agreements relating to the rights to use the invention and the returns for use. Our staff help manage revenue collection and distribution.
