3rd UTEN Workshop 2010 - Nanotechnology
Research Collaboration & Network Building for Commercialization in NanoSciences
University of Minho - 15-16 November, 2010
Program | Venue | Speakers | Reading Materials | Photos
Workshop Description
The field of nanotechnology regularly produces some of the most fascinating opportunities for commercialization of new technology across the world. Given nanotechnology’s broad reach across industries, however, it can often be troublesome to determine the best pathways to commercialization for nano-based ventures. This workshop will examine effective commercialization strategies for nano across industry and provide a candid view into the role that investors and joint ventures can play in furthering nanotechnology across the biomedical, agricultural and materials industries to name just a few. We will also examine best practices in venture creation for nano firms including the strategic use of equity, interaction with investors and how to leverage research for commercial opportunities.
Training focus of this workshop:
Training Focus: building international collaborative research networks and providing case examples of commercialization in nanotechnology based fields: collaborative research and technology commercialization, in particular technology venturing (university spin-offs) and access to international markets.
About our host
The University of Minho (UMinho), founded in 1973, began its academic activity in 1975/76. UMinho is renowned for the quality of its teaching, the quality of its students, the public recognition given to its Alumni, and for its intervention and strong links with the local community and the surrounding region. Throughout the years the University has achieved a high reputation as an institution of learning and leadership, combining strategic vision with a capacity to innovate, and rigorous scientific, academic, administrative and financial management.
TecMinho is the interface of the University of Minho responsible for the management of intellectual property and supporting knowledge transfer through licensing, strategic partnerships with industry and the setting-up of knowledge-intensive spin-offs. This year TecMinho celebrates 20 years of activity, with a world-class track record of patent portfolio management and technology marketing. TecMinho was awarded in 2006 “Best Knowledge Transfer Plan from an Established TT Office” by ProTon Europe, the European Association of Tech Transfer Offices from Public Research Organizations.
Introducing UTEN Workshops
The ecosystems of innovation are undergoing a profound change both at regional level, where universities play key roles as economic development engines, and at industry level, with the open innovation paradigm. As universities are becoming key sources of discovery and are playing an ever increasing role in how industry innovates, people and networks are the foundations on which to effectively connect academic institutions with the business community. Global competition, rising R&D costs and thus the need to get more products to the market sooner are some factors forcing companies to reach out to research universities for new ideas and capability. Licensing, corporate sponsored research, consulting engagements, venture capital investment, gifts, and recruitment of graduate students are just some of the ways used to build strategic relationships between industry and universities, and are becoming a regular part of the developing open innovation environment.
UTEN workshops focus across industry sectors within the Portuguese ecosystem with strong capacity for competitiveness and innovation on the world stage and provide strategies and pathways for key stakeholders to assist the Portuguese research community in assisting in the transition towards a knowledge based economy.