Technology transfer case studies

A new weaving method using composite material was the basis for the foundation of Swedish start-up Oxeon. IP rights for the technology helped to attract private investment. Oxeon also benefitted from business support from the Chalmers University of Technology entrepreneurship centre. This combination of private ownership and public innovation support led to the commercialisation of innovative textiles in the sports, industrial and aerospace sectors and the licensing of the weaving technology.

Research collaboration between University College Dublin (UCD) and Bio‑Medical Research (BMR) led to the development of a novel training device for the treatment of stress-induced urinary incontinence. UCD licensed the technology to BMR, which validated the device in clinical trials, secured regulatory approval and launched it in Europe. BMR established Atlantic Therapeutics as a spin-out company to secure investment to target the US market. Atlantic Therapeutics, its flagship product, offers patients safe, non-invasive and cost-effective treatment for stress-induced urinary incontinence, improving the quality of lives.

This product to treat open wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, is the result of R&D carried out by four female inventors in the laboratory of Türkiye's Ege University. They secured IP protection early on, with the help of the local technology transfer office. However, initial attempts at commercialisation using licensing failed. A start-up acceleration programme encouraged the female inventor team to create the start-up Dermis Pharma. Thanks to its strong IP, the young company managed to secure the necessary venture capital funding for cost-intensive clinical trials and product development. An IP-assignment deal with a big Turkish pharma company sealed a corporate partnership and accelerated the commercialisation process.

The result of collaboration between a research team at the Politecnico di Milano and e-Novia, a deep-tech company creator, Blubrake was formed to commercialise an innovative e-bike ABS. In a market dominated by large and established international companies, patents were used to improve market penetration strategy and recognition. Initial patent applications for customised technology features and design were aimed at protecting the company's own unique selling proposition in the e-bike market.

The development of a long-term technology transfer strategy with smart distribution of usage rights allowed the Technical University of Vienna to achieve scientific breakthroughs and commercialisation success with its industry partner, Ivoclar. This led to the creation of two university start-ups. As one of these two start-ups, Cubicure was able to benefit from a strong patent portfolio during early-stage funding rounds and to build strategic partnerships.

A research project to improve surgical navigation combined with the entrepreneurial mindset of the lead researcher at the University of Coimbra (UC) in Portugal led to the creation of Perceive3D. Broad patent protection and a vibrant innovation ecosystem made it possible to target international markets and to secure continuous investment during the long development and approval phases, paving the way for market success.

After they had secured access to IP from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and one of the co-founders had gained business experience, the team of young researchers had all of the ingredients necessary to secure initial funding for the creation of fos4X. In a market of mostly large and international players, a steadily growing and smartly managed patent portfolio helped the young company to secure financing and to become a major provider of measurement solutions for wind power installations. Due to its success and strong IP portfolio, fos4X was acquired by the Danish company PolyTech in 2020.