Add value to your idea
In general terms adding value to an R&D+i result implies a transformation of knowledge originated at a research centre into a product valued on the market. Valorisation process includes several sub-processes starting from the detection of innovative technology and ending with its commercialisation on the market. Until we get to this final phase, an evaluation of the technology is required, its market price should be determined and in some cases a prototype that proves its commercial feasibility should be developed.
Both the detection of research groups and innovative technologies with commercial potential and the definition of a protection strategy of the research results take an important part in the process of valorisation. To commercialize a technology valorisation and transfer strategies should be designed: these imply the definition of proof of concept developments necessary and the corresponding financing as well as determining the transfer and commercialization mechanisms most appropriate for the technology in question.
The valorization process at the UIB is carried out by the OTRI. The office makes continuous efforts on the improvement of the valorization process at every stage.
It offers support to all research groups that initiate a valorization process of a certain result putting emphasis on the commercial and practical aspects of the technology, advising in the process of industrial property protection, technology transfer and promotion – especially in the creation of spin-off companies and the process of contracting between the university and business companies.
All these activities are part of the Valorization Protocol determined by the OTRI for research results generated at the UIB.
During the valorization process the OTRI counts on the support of experts in various areas.
- Univalue Valorización is present in the process of technology valuation (appraisement) and commercialization.
- Imprimatur Capital. A venture capital company that evaluates the potential of the research result for a spin-off creation.
- Through CDTI’s external network we count on a number of agents to carry out international technological promotion especially through the search of technological partners in other countries.
- Private experts are present in the financing of prototype creation and proof of concept stages.
- Valorization experts take part in the elaboration and standardization of sample agreements, action plans, etc.
- Industrial property agents interact in the process of invention protection. They usually do patentability reports and help in the elaboration of the patents contents.
The valorization process of a result starts with receiving an Invention Disclosure Form, together with all the information regarding the invention.
Once the result is disclosed to the OTRI, a technical analysis is performed using all the information available, emphasizing on potential applications to determine target markets.
At this stage frequent meetings between OTRI stuff and researchers are carried out, as doubts arise during the invention’s analysis.
Through a variety of Business Intelligence Tools an optimal protection strategy is defined – being an option a non-protection strategy.
Meanwhile a Technology Development Plan is elaborated, based on the market potential analysis of the invention. A subject of analysis of this plan are the commercial aspects of the invention to be valorized and transferred. This document includes the optimal for the invention valorization and transfer strategy depending on its state of development, the necessary financing, its type of protection, etc.
Finally a Technology Promotion Plan is developed.
The success of the valorization process depends not only on the intrinsic characteristics of a technology but also on its promoters’ involvement.
