25th November 2002

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The University has established an Office of Innovation and Enterprise to streamline the process of turning research into commercial products.

The Office will also guide external companies and individuals seeking to access the technologies, resources and expertise available at the University.

Headed by Professor Chris Barnett, Director, Innovation and Enterprise, the new Office is responsible for the management of intellectual property (IP) arising from the activities of the University, the commercial exploitation of this IP through licensing to existing companies or the formation of new companies, and the management of the University innovation centres and science parks.

In addition, the Office co-ordinates the regional programmes for the University associated with consultancy activities, Teaching Company Scheme (TCS) and interaction with regional and international incubation facilities. It will also be the focal point through which the University will work with DETI and DEL in the delivering the regional innovation strategy for Northern Ireland.

Professor John Hughes, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research said “In creating the Office of Innovation and Enterprise, the University is giving a clear indication of the importance that it places on this activity. We have brought together all of the technology and knowledge transfer activities into a single office to maximise the support and management of this core activity. Being within my portfolio and closely aligned with the University Research Office will allow an integrated flow of inventions from research activity to commercial reality.”

Professor Chris Barnett, Director, Innovation and Enterprise indicated that the University has been extremely successful in technology and knowledge transfer over a relatively short period of time.

“As we seek to maximise our efforts in this area it has become necessary to draw common resources together into a single office. Through the Office we will work closely with the agencies in Northern Ireland and Europe to increase the opportunities for innovation and enterprise within our region. Through our regional programmes we seek to establish an innovation community where we can achieve an environment which is supportive of entrepreneurs, and a knowledge-based economy where there are plentiful opportunities for the whole community,” he added.

One of the first initiatives has been the creation of the ‘UU Knowledge Club’ which provides a forum for University staff to interact with businesses in Northern Ireland within specific technology areas. The UU Knowledge Club has already held successful events at the University campuses in the areas of ICT, Biotechnology, and Finance.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk