Universities, research centres and Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs)

Overview
https://www.epo.org/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/patlib-knowledge-transfer-to-africa/activities/success-story

Success story: Malawi University of Science and Technology and PATLIB Birmingham

Success story: Malawi University of Science and Technology and PATLIB Birmingham

In April 2024, Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) commenced the twinning partnership phase of the Knowledge Transfer to Africa (KT2A) initiative in collaboration with the PATLIB Centre in Birmingham, UK.

At the PATLIB 2024 annual conference in September 2024, Technology Transfer Officer and KT2A initiative focal point at MUST Zalerapi Chirwa Mhango, and Business and IP Advisor at the PATLIB Centre in the Patent Library, Business and IP Centre in Birmingham Paramjit Hans presented insights into the rewards reaped by both institutions during the twinning phase so far.

Two smiling woman with a laptop at a desk

MUST patent filings on the rise

Patent filings by MUST have increased significantly since joining the initiative, mainly driven by the IP awareness programmes and events offered via the KT2A initiative.

"With the assistance of the PATLIB Centre in Birmingham, UK, our university has successfully launched an innovation that had been in development for over four years." - Zalerapi Chirwa Mhango, Technology Transfer Officer at MUST

Technologies commercialised

MUST expressed gratitude for the insights shared by the PATLIB Centre on how university institutions can collaborate with development partners to successfully bring their inventions to market. MUST has secured commercialisation funding for some of its projects through the Ministry for Youth and is applying for further funding initiatives to support other technologies in the pipeline, including the establishment of its industrial parks. The support of the PATLIB Centre has enabled the university to engage in a successful transfer of technologies to society.

Paramjit Hans with a poster from the National Enterprise Network

Lessons from Africa

"The model used by African universities to innovate is distinct and more coordinated. This could be applied in the UK, where the focus is on individual innovation and universities support the commercialisation of that innovation." - Paramjit Hans, Business and Intellectual Property Advisor at PATLIB Birmingham

Paramjit noted that, while there are numerous organisations offering support for business start-ups and growth, there is a lack of awareness among these organisations of the importance of intellectual property. This highlights the importance of building a network of supporters to ensure the successful transfer of technologies, with which a PATLIB centre such as Birmingham can be of assistance.


MUST supports youth development

MUST is the only university in Malawi offering IP services to university students, community innovators, and primary and secondary schools. With the youngest population in the world, Africa presents a significant opportunity for growth and innovation. The university's objective is to establish youth-led start-up companies that will facilitate development of new career pathways for future generations.