Iberian Universities technology transfer conference Technology Licensing SMBR and Walkinsense 29th November 2010, Ayamonte

University of Porto 2,270 Teaching staff Researchers 1,700 Technical and Administrative Staff 28,900 Students Faculties: 14 Business School: 1 Libraries: 30 Museums: 12 R&D units: 69 Independent Associated Institutes: 7

Funded in 2004, as the U.Porto Knowledge Transfer Office. Staff: 8 © 2008 Maria M. Oliveira Promote sustainable forms of knowledge and technology transfer and strengthen U.Porto links to industry University of Porto Innovation

Industry-University liaison R&D results valorisation and entrepreneurship R&D funding programmes -Management of Intellectual property rights - Technology transfer - Entrepreneurship programmes - Support spin-off creation - Scanning of R&D results & skills - Identify industry R&D & innovation needs; - Serve as liaison with Industry - Search and dissemination of R&D international funding opportunities - Support in proposal drafting - Project management University of Porto Innovation

Examples of activities 1. IP Regulation 2. Technology offers Book 3. Entrepreneurship training 4. UPIN website 5. Researchers night

Simulated Moving Bed Reactor Technology: process for production of a green additive; Status: laboratory prototype fully operational; IP: Portuguese and European patent granted; extensions to 10 European countries, USA and Brazil; Inventors: excellent reputation and cooperative; Company: Ethanol producer. It wanted to produce biodiesel; Time Period: started late Framework:

Simulated Moving Bed Reactor Company interest in the technology; Potential for market introduction; Technology scaling up; Ownership of future IP; Non-monetary terms (legal and technical). Negotiation Issues:

Simulated Moving Bed Reactor Milestones Performance Future IP ownership Inventors collaboration Infringement Agreement on:No agreement on other terms: Governing law for disputes Up front payment Licensing with R&D collaboration vs. R&D collaboration with licensing R&D consultancy payment

Simulated Moving Bed Reactor Dead end... Market potential was consider huge; Technology presented a very interesting concept BUT High investment needed to introduce technology; Large expenses in order to conquer authorities and car industry; Company’s financial distress and downsizing;...after 2 years of negotiation

Simulated Moving Bed Reactor Presently: Technology is in the market for licensing Contract with oil company to test additive in diesel motors Other oil companies are curious about technology Lessons: Do not lose momentum in negotiations Creativity and flexibility in negotiations Inventors have a decisive opinion but should not head negotiations Look for other potential companies at the same time

Licensing to spin-offs? Who are they? Track record in academia? Track record in industry? Will they be able to…? raise funds, recruit, invest in further research, manufacturing, marketing and sales…. How will this work? How to reach a win-win deal? Will they sponsor research? When will we see any return…

Chronology of a license

Tomorrow Options and U.Porto Hired students Engaged in further R&D contracts Are located in our science park Accept to speak at conferences and classes Received future entrepreneurs for training And... are paying royalties;) Since their creation they:

Wrap up Good patentable science is not always commercially relevant Communicating a Value Proposition that reflects tangible results is difficult Technology offerings are generally early stage Subject to large amount of risk from several sources (scientific, financial and regulatory) Often cannot show samples or prototypes Patience and persistence are needed skills and a little luck certainly won’t hurt.

T: Praça Gomes Teixeira Porto Portugal ::: Thank you