Commercialisation

Commercialisation describes the process for turning ideas and research discoveries into practical solutions that can be used by the public. It starts with protecting your idea. Then you share it through licensing programmes, joint-ventures or other collaborative agreements. Sometimes, you may decide to create a spin-out company around your innovation. At UWI, we support you throughout the process with resources drawn from the entire Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RIE) ecosystem.

When you think you have a commercially viable idea - or even if your idea is not yet fleshed out - come talk to us to find out your next step.

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How it works

1 Disclosure

The commercialisation process begins with intellectual property (IP) disclosure. Before you publish or present your data, come in and tell us about it. Your information will be treated with strict confidentiality. Through different entities of the ecosystem, we assess your ideaís commercial potential. Disclosure also starts the process for seeking IP protection.

2 Readiness Assessment

IP Assessment

After you’ve disclosed your invention to us, we’ll perform searches to determine if you have a novel idea that can be patented. If so, weíll identify IP resources, hire attorneys and file the patent application on your behalf. In the event your idea wonít be patented, weíll advise you about the other forms of IP protection that might be right for you.

Commercial Assessment

Guided by an adapted version of NASAís Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and the ARPA-E Commercial Readiness Levels (CRL), we assess how ready your idea is to take to market. We then determine the type of support youíll need to advance your idea and help you source them.

Here are some things we consider when determining whether your idea is commercially ready:

  • Is there a need for your invention?
  • Is there a market for your invention?
  • Are there many competitors?
  • Is the demand stable?
  • Does your invention provide a solution that does not currently exist?
  • Is there something that makes your invention stand out among others currently available?
  • Is it feasible?
  • At what stage of development is your invention?
  • Is further research and development required before you have a product?

3 Research & Development

You may need further research to improve the readiness of your discovery. We can help you find funding and prototyping support. Develop investor relationships and collaborate with partners both within and outside the University to make your idea market ready.

4 Business Planning

Before your idea is ready for launch, youíll get help with business planning and strategy to go to market. Some of what we’ll do together includes:

  • Market research and assessment
  • Proof of concept
  • Competitive analysis
  • Business model development
  • Investor relationship development

5A Licensing

In the final stage in the commercialisation process, an investor or industry partner licenses your innovation and brings it to market. We help you identify and attract potential licensees and negotiate the terms of the license agreement on your behalf. All revenue generated from your innovation is shared between you and the University.

5B Spin-out company

In certain cases, you may decide to launch a spin-out company around your innovation. UWI Ventures acts as a holding company for your startup and provides advisory support and seed capital. You can connect with industry leaders to create joint ventures or other collaborations. Weíll help you establish these relationships and give you the tools you need to set up your business for success.

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