Commercialising research
We encourage researchers with promising ideas to explore the commercial potential of their work.
Funding opportunities
We have some funding opportunities to help bridge the gap between basic research and commercial funding.
- Follow-on fund
Provides support for the very early (pre-seed) stages of turning research outputs into a commercial proposition.
- Business plan competition (RCUK website)
The RCUK annual business plan competition provides training to help university researchers whose ideas have commercial potential to develop a business plan.
Knowledge transfer challenge
The knowledge transfer challenge awards aim to reward and celebrate innovative approaches to supporting knowledge transfer in universities, making sure that research finds its way to end users in business and the public sector. Competitions were run in 2006 and 2007.
We decided not to hold a knowledge transfer challenge awards competition in 2008 as future options for knowledge transfer activities are currently under consideration. This is due to an increased focus on 'better exploitation' in our new delivery plan, and the introduction of knowledge transfer accounts. Through these changes we intend to gain a greater appreciation of universities' approaches to knowledge transfer in order to best meet the needs of research providers, users and other stakeholders.
The competition submissions comprised two parts:
- Demonstration of track record in knowledge transfer, including a case study. This was judged on the success and scope of previous knowledge transfer strategy, as measured by the economic and social impact of past activities.
- Proposal for deployment of the knowledge transfer challenge award. The panel were looking for a strong, innovative and integrated approach to knowledge transfer activities.
Both parts of the submission were used to shortlist five universities to go through to an interview stage, where their proposals will be probed in more depth. The short listing and interview panels comprise experts in knowledge transfer from academia, industry and government. The winning university received a £500,000 award and £60,000 CASE studentship. The four runners-up received awards of £100,000.
Knowledge transfer challenge 2007
The 2007 knowledge transfer challenge was won by the University of Sheffield’s MANufacturing Technology TRAnsporter (MANTRA). MANTRA enables the Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) to reach out to a wider range of companies, particularly SMEs, by taking the technology to them. A specially modified HGV acts as a mobile technology demonstrator and trouble-shooting unit, focusing on Advanced Machining and Advanced Assembly Technologies – two areas where there is a clear demand from industry.
More information is available from John Baragwanath OBE, Projects Director, University of Sheffield, 0114 2227677
Other sources of help
Your university technology transfer or enterprise office should be able to advise you on commercialising research results. If you are interested in setting up a business, you may find it useful to contact:
- Business Link
Information and advice on all aspects of starting up or running a business.
- My New Business
The Business Link Start-Up Service offers support through the stages of setting up a business.
- Growth and Improvement Service
Service from Business Link offering businesses access to informative videos, case studies, events and business support finders and the chance to network and share ideas with other business owners.
- Regional Development Agencies
Schemes providing help or funding for start-up or spin-out companies.