Imperial Innovations has an established process for translating research into marketable and beneficial products. This is how we work stage by stage (click the image for a larger view):

Intellectual property sourcing

We source and assess technologies from Imperial College London and from a number of external research intensive organisations to meet the needs of industry.

Intellectual property strategy

We advise on how to protect inventions and develop an appropriate IP protection strategy.

Product validation

We carry out market research to identify the product and market opportunity, assessing market need and the competition.

We construct a proof of concept strategy to demonstrate the performance and commercial potential of the technology.

Working with inventors and our industry partners, we determine the right commercialisation strategy for a new technology.

Our thorough research helps us to decide whether to license the technology or to form a company.

Licensing

We carry out further research to find the right partner to whom to license the technology giving a greater chance of getting the product to market.

Licence negotiation

We negotiate appropriate terms and conditions. Our agreements generate upfront fees, milestone payments and royalties.

Company formation

We form new companies and recruit experienced entrepreneurs to run them. Our range of incubation resources help to increase the survival and financial security of early-stage companies. We monitor our companies closely and guide them as they prepare for investment.

Investment

We invest in businesses either leading or co-investing in investment rounds to accelerate development and increase value. We are one of the most prolific early stage investors in the UK.