Mission Statement

To create centres of excellence for innovation, technology transfer and enterprise that optimise access to the R&D resources and services at the University of Ulster.

Strategic Background

Success in today’s fast moving global economy depends critically on exploiting the knowledge, skills and ideas of the science base to be in the vanguard of technologically advanced economies. To participate in and take advantage of the new knowledge-driven economy, the University of Ulster established UUTECH Limited, its wholly owned umbrella organisation specifically charged with the responsibility for technology transfer and exploiting the innovative research emanating from its internationally recognised research centres. It serves as a formal businesslike interface enhancing the University’s close relationship with the local business and industrial sectors by providing a strategic focus for technology transfer activities that make a vital contribution to the diversification of the local economy.

UUTECH Remit

To take a stake in start-up companies, to exploit Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) by patenting and licensing, to manage and develop campus incubator facilities and consultancy activities.

Intellectual Property Rights and Technology Brokering

UUTECH gives additional impetus to the protection, management and exploitation of the University’s IPR through patenting and licensing, and has sole responsibility for negotiating these matters for the University.

Technology Transfer

UUTECH also has responsibility for the University’s technology and knowledge transfer activities, such as the Teaching Company Scheme, the Manufacturing Partnership, and the consultancy activities of the University. Various supported initiatives also sustain and encourage entrepreneurial innovation. The overall vision is to establish NI as an internationally recognised world class region for commercialisation of innovative technologies.

Venturing

UUTECH negotiates and holds the University’s stake in high technology spin off companies which emerge from the University’s research and knowledge base. Joint venturing with existing companies also bolsters high technology commercial development. UUTECH is a partner in the University Challenge Fund (NI) Limited, and sources suitable innovative high technology ventures that can achieve value-added growth by accessing this seed funding.

Campus Incubation

UUTECH manages Campus Business Incubator Centres being developed to nurture high technology start-up companies. These facilities are aligned with the respective campus-specific research strengths: with Coleraine focusing on the life, health and environmental sciences; Magee on software; Jordanstown on engineering and informatics; and the new Springvale campus on medical technologies. Services available at the Incubator Centres include:

• Business start-up assistance, support and mentoring.

• Office and laboratory accommodation; access to University technical expertise.

• Campus amenities; IT and educational infrastructure.

For further information contact: Jim Curran - UUTECH Manager;

Tel: 01232-368019; Fax: 01232-366802;

E-mail: jp.curran@ulst.ac.uk