We work with companies ranging from SMEs to large national and international, who are seeking to sponsor innovative faculty-led research efforts on a project by project basis, or as part of a larger strategic research alliance.
We work with corporate partners to understand their research needs, connect them with UOM faculty whose expertise and goals best align with those needs, and support discussion and negotiation to launch new research projects and alliances.
The modern landscape of industry-university research collaboration touches the areas of industry interest in solving real-world problems, faculty research expertise, advanced laboratory capabilities, and university-developed technologies (inventions).
Description: Collaborative partnerships where industry and university researchers work
together on projects. These agreements leverage the university’s expertise and
resources to advance specific R&D goals for the company.
Benefits: Access to cutting-edge research, shared resources, and skilled personnel
while maintaining intellectual property (IP) considerations.
Details:
IP ownership and commercialization rights are typically outlined in the
agreement.
Projects may focus on pre-competitive research or product/process innovation.
Funding and resource sharing models are tailored based on project needs.
Description:
• Type of collaborative research agreement where the sponsor provides funding to support research, typically designed and executed by the university or researcher, aligned with broad areas of mutual interest.
• Sponsored research agreement collaboration often focuses on fundamental or applied
research areas rather than specific deliverables.
Benefits: Access to Specialized Expertise, Cost-Effective R&D, Accelerated Innovation,
Enhanced Reputation and Relationships, Risk mitigation, Alignment with Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR), Early Insight into Emerging Trends
Details:
• The university conducts the research, and the company may receive a first right to negotiate a license for the resulting IP.
• Clear timelines, deliverables, and financial obligations are specified.
• Often includes publication rights, with provisions for industry review to protect confidential information.
Description: A legally binding document between a university, research institute, or
company (referred to as the "research provider") and an external organization, such as a corporation, government entity, or nonprofit (referred to as the "sponsor"). This
agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which the research provider conducts specific research projects on behalf of the sponsor.
Benefits: Access to Expertise, Cost-Effective R&D, Innovation Opportunities, IP
Ownership/Access
Details:
• Customizable Agreements: The terms vary based on the sponsor’s requirements and the institution’s policies.
• Ethical Compliance: Research conducted under a CRA must adhere to ethical guidelines and applicable laws.
• Ownership of Data: Explicitly defines who owns and can use the research data.
•
Dispute Resolution: Includes mechanisms for resolving disagreements that may arise during the project.
Description:
• The spin-in model refers to the process where external startups, entrepreneurs, or innovators integrate into a university incubator or accelerator program to leverage the university resources, networks, and expertise.
• Unlike spin-offs, where innovations are developed internally and spun out into independent businesses, spin-ins bring external entrepreneurial ventures into the
university ecosystem to foster collaboration and mutual growth.
Benefits: Access to University Resources, Talent Pool Engagement, Knowledge
Transfer and Innovation Strengthened IP Portfolios, Networking and Funding Opportunities, Enhanced Ecosystem Collaboration, and Reputation Building for the
University
Details:
• Identification and Selection of Startups
• Startups that complement ongoing academic research or university focus areas
• Startup Agreements
Call:
+94 112640051 Ext: 1886
Email:
enterprise@uom.lk