Research Lounge is a researcher’s space created to enhance the research skills of postgraduates and researchers. This is a discussion forum between experts in the field and students under a specific theme. It may be any point of research, from selecting a topic to publishing the output. Research Lounge is open for one and a half hours at the Faculty of Graduate Studies (hybrid mode) of the University of Moratuwa. So far.
As a part of the Research Lounge, the Research Lounge Team of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Moratuwa invite us, the Enterprise, to conduct a session on “The Path to Research Commercialization: Exploring Technology Licensing and Startups,” which was held on 03rd October 2024.
Synopsis:
Acceptance of a research paper in a prestigious journal or conference is a significant accomplishment for any graduate or undergraduate student. It represents a contribution to expanding the frontiers of knowledge through novel discoveries. However, an important question arises: Does this discovery hold the potential for economic impact? If so, can it be safeguarded as Intellectual Property (IP)?
At the University of Moratuwa, the Enterprise—our Technology Transfer Office—facilitates the protection and commercialization of IP. This includes patenting innovations, licensing IP to industry, fostering collaborations between researchers and businesses, and assisting in the creation of startups to bring research-driven innovations to market.
In this context, we explore the transformative potential of patents and startups as key outcomes of graduate research. Students are encouraged to patent innovations with market potential, thereby achieving a dual milestone: securing a patent and publishing their research. Patents can unlock significant commercialization opportunities, whether through licensing agreements or by initiating entrepreneurial ventures and launching startups.
While building a startup team poses challenges, Enterprise is committed to providing crucial support throughout the process. We invite students to develop cutting-edge technologies that attract investors and create compelling exit strategies, ensuring their innovations leave a lasting real-world impact.