From Lab to Licence: Turning Academic Research into Real-World Solutions
Bringing your research into the hands of industry doesn’t always mean starting a company. In many cases, licensing your technology to an existing business is the most efficient and scalable way to create impact.
At the University of Manchester Innovation Factory, we work with academic researchers across all faculties to assess the commercial potential of new ideas. A key part of our role is deciding whether a project is best suited to becoming a spinout or whether it would have greater impact through a licensing agreement with industry.
(Spinout vs Licensing – how do we decide? Watch the video to find out)
The key stages of the licensing process—and how we support you at each step.
1. Disclosure & Opportunity Assessment
Everything starts with an Invention Disclosure Form. This helps us understand your research, how it works, what problem it solves, and what makes it novel.
Our team will evaluate:
-
The strength and scope of the innovation
-
Potential for IP protection
-
Stage of development (lab, prototype, validated)
-
Industry needs and market size
-
Fit with potential licensees
Where we come in:
The Innovation Discovery team carries out this assessment and determines whether the opportunity is more suited to licensing or spinning out, or if the technology needs more development. We will guide you through the process and advise based on sector experience and insight. We’ll also start shaping the commercial story with you, including any data we need to build credibility with potential partners.
Worried about delaying publication?
A common concern among academics is that filing a patent will slow down or prevent timely publication but don’t worry! If you engage with us early enough, we can ensure the patent filing process is timed so it doesn’t interfere with your academic publishing plans and actually gives you leverage.(Watch this short clip for further explanation on the IP/publishing process)
2. IP Protection
For most licensing opportunities, protecting the intellectual property (IP) is essential. This typically involves filing a patent, but can also include software copyright, trade secrets, or know-how.
Where we come in:
Our IP team manages the entire protection process, from working with external patent attorneys to covering costs for initial filings. We’ll advise you on the best form of protection and timing based on commercial strategy.
Intro to IP video
3. Market Engagement
Once the technology is protected and market potential is validated, we begin identifying and approaching potential licensees – companies that could benefit from using your innovation.
This might include:
-
Existing relationships with industry partners
-
Reaching out to relevant companies and R&D teams
-
Attending sector-specific events and trade shows
-
Showcasing the innovation on our online channels
Where we come in:
We will navigate these conversations and negotiations with you. We’ll position the technology clearly, develop marketing materials, and align the offer to the needs of the company.
4. Negotiating the Licence Agreement
If a company expresses interest, we’ll negotiate the licensing terms. These agreements can vary—from exclusive or non-exclusive licences to royalty-bearing or one-off fee structures. Terms might include:
-
Field of use and territory
-
Royalty rates and milestone payments
-
Support or collaboration agreements
-
Duration and termination clauses
Where we come in:
The Innovation Factory leads all contract negotiations, working closely with the University’s legal team and external counsel where needed. Our priority is to secure fair terms that reflect the value of your work, while enabling the partner to take it forward.
5. Ongoing Relationship Management
Once the licence is signed, the commercialisation journey isn’t over. We maintain ongoing relationships with licensees to:
-
Monitor progress and commercial outcomes
-
Ensure compliance with terms
-
Collect royalties and performance updates
Where we come in:
We act as the point of contact for the licensee and manage the long-term relationship, allowing you to focus on your research. If needed, we can also support you in developing further technologies that build on the original innovation.
We will be there to guide the negotiations and get the best results for you, your research and the University of Manchester
The Role of the Academic
Your role in a licensing deal will vary depending on the technology and the industry partner. In some cases, minimal involvement is needed post-licensing. In others, there may be opportunities for ongoing collaboration, sponsored research, consultancy, or even co-development of future solutions.
We’ll always keep you informed and involved where needed, but rest assured that we’ll drive it forward when it comes to commercialisation.
Why Licensing?
Licensing can be the right route when:
-
The innovation fits seamlessly into an existing company’s product line
-
Market entry would be difficult or costly for a startup
-
The researcher prefers to stay fully focused on academic work
-
There’s a strong potential partner ready to adopt the technology
The Innovation Factory Advantage
Licensing through the University of Manchester Innovation Factory means:
-
You’re not doing this alone. We provide hands-on commercial support from day one.
-
You don’t need to find a partner yourself. We handle outreach and negotiation.
-
You don’t need to fund IP protection. We cover the costs of initial filings.
-
You don’t need to worry about the legal side. We take care of contracts and due diligence.
Ready to Discuss Your Innovation?
If you’re working on something novel, we’d love to hear about it. Even if it’s early stage, get in touch—we can help you explore whether it might be licensable, patentable, or suited to the spinout route.
The Gift Team are licensing their technology to healthcare providers.
