Commercialisation of our research is an important aspect of the work carried out in the Department. With assistance from the University's technology transfer office, Cambridge Enterprise, many ideas originating out of our research have been patented, technologies have been licensed, and in some cases, companies have been set up to develop ideas further and launch products on the open market.
Research sponsors, both industrial and Government funded, are increasingly aware of the importance of commercialisation of research. There is a strong entrepreneurial spirit within the Department are we are keen to maximise the potential of the work undertaken for our sponsors. The Department appreciates the importance of intellectual property, and ensures that IP agreements are in place before research contracts are signed.
A number of funding routes are available to take ideas from the laboratory bench to commercial reality. Cambridge Enterprise has a range of funds designed to assist with Proof of Concept needs all the way through to seed funding for new companies. In addition, many of the spin-out companies set up following work in the Department have been able to attract the attention of business angels and VC funding.