ITTO focuses on the following areas:
1. Technology Transfer and Commercialisation
ITTO is responsible for the evaluation, protection and commercialisation of NTU’s intellectual property (IP) and technologies, through either licensing or the formation of spin-off companies.
ITTO evaluates the technology disclosures submitted by NTU staff for commercial potential and patentability. If NTU retains the IP rights to the invention, ITTO will undertake the commercialisation of the IP and will ensure that the IP is appropriately protected in order to facilitate the commercialisation process. The Office liaises with the patent lawyers for the drafting, filing and prosecution of patent applications. ITTO actively sources for commercial interest in NTU’s IP through its business networks and negotiates license agreements with potential licensees for the technologies. ITTO also advises NTU’s researchers and students who are interested in starting a company on issues related to IP, licensing and business strategies.
2. Collaborative Research
ITTO advises on IP-related issues that arise from collaborations with industry and other research institutions and assists in the review, negotiation and finalisation of research collaboration agreements. ITTO aims to ensure that the handling of IP derived from research collaborations is fair to both NTU and the collaborator, and that proper legal provisions are in place in the agreements to protect NTU’s interests.
3. Technology Transfer Education, Partnerships and Alliances
ITTO plays an active role in educating NTU’s staff and students on intellectual property and technology transfer. It works closely with the Nanyang Technopreneurship Centre in promoting technopreneurship development and education; and with NTU Ventures Pte Ltd in assisting start-up companies. ITTO also establishes alliances with external organisations to promote and develop awareness of IP and technology transfer issues.
4. Incubation Units at the Innovation Centre
The Innovation Centre was set up on 1 August 1987 as a mini Science Park and technology hub. Since its inception, it has seen more than 60 tenants conducting R&D in various fields come through its doors. The set up of the Innovation Centre was in line with NTU’s role of not only providing education and research but also transferring technology and expertise to industry for the benefit of society.
The Innovation Centre is managed by the ITTO and its tenants continue to enjoy its strategic proximity and ready access to state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories at NTU at nominal rent, as well as being able to tap on the expertise of NTU’s faculty and research staff.
NTU also provides students with incubation units at the TechnoGarage, situated at the Innovation Centre, for them to create and develop their innovative ideas.
About ITTO | Vision | Mission | Strategies | Core Functions
Innovation Centre Block 1, Unit 213, 16 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637722
Tel: (65) 6790-4954, Fax: (65) 6792-1737