Oxeon
Following research at the Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden), the start-up company Oxeon was founded in 2003 to commercialise an innovative textile production process. The resulting materials have exceptional performance in e.g. sporting, industrial and aerospace applications – even featuring in the robotic helicopter “Ingenuity” recently deployed on Mars. The co-founder Andreas Martsman and the IP professional, Legal advisor of Oxeon Caroline Pamp are interviewed by the Communication Manager of the European IP Helpdesk Stephanie Weber about the extraordinary journey for this award-winning company and its materials, requiring a special blend of business planning, IP strategy and creativity.
Atlantic Therapeutics
Stress-induced urinary incontinence affects almost 400 million people worldwide. A novel device to treat this condition through electro-stimulation of muscles was developed by researchers at University College Dublin (UCD) and Bio Medical Research (BMR) in Ireland. Brian and Ciaran explain the technology behind the invention and how the university’s technology transfer office enabled the collaboration, paving the way to market success.
Dermis Pharma
This is the remarkable story of how four female researchers from a Turkish university laboratory secured market success for their new product to treat chronic wounds. It is told by Evren, one of the researchers and a co-founder of the spin-off company Dermis Pharma, and Mustafa, the university’s commercialisation manager. They reveal how a collaborative approach to commercialising patented technology can overcome unforeseen setbacks.
Blubrake
The speed, weight and power of the latest e-bikes can surprise many riders – they need better brakes. With electrical power on board, it is now possible to integrate anti-lock braking systems (ABS) specifically adapted to make this increasingly popular mode of green transport safer. Listen to Blubrake’s co-founder, Fabio Todeschini and technology transfer expert Professor Granieri explain how a smart patenting strategy turned engineers into entrepreneurs, leading to a successful spin-out from the Politecnico di Milano and their partner incubator e-Novia.
Cubicure
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is already disrupting prototyping and production in many fields. It brings flexibility to the manufacturing process and unprecedented design freedom, heralding a future with broader creative possibilities. A leading researcher in 3D printing technologies and Cubicure’s co-founder, Prof. Jürgen Stampfl and Karin Hofmann, one of TU Vienna`s leading patent and licensing managers, explain how a long-term technology transfer strategy with a smart allocation of IP usage rights established an international hub for state-of-the art-research in additive manufacturing as well as the creation of several successful spin-outs, such as Cubicure.
Perceive3D
One of the most exciting developments in surgery being seen today is the application of augmented reality. This innovative imaging technology assists surgeons by mixing real vision of a patient’s body with digital information (e.g. vital signs or anatomical atlases) in real time, making procedures safer and more affordable. João Barreto, an entrepreneurial professor from the Portuguese University of Coimbra and the founder of Perceive 3D, took up the challenge to commercialise a promising technology in medical imaging, despite the small size of the local market. Together with José Ricardo Aguilar, Head of Legal/IP at Instituto Pedro Nunes, Prof. Barreto explain how broad patent protection and a vibrant innovation eco-system paved the way for market success.
Fos4X
Renewable energy systems like wind power plants are heavily reliant on sensors for their smooth autonomous operation. Building on innovative research from the German Technical University of Munich (TUM), start-up company Fos4X successfully developed and commercialised fibre optical sensor technology that makes wind turbines safer and less vulnerable to severe weather conditions. TUM institute director Professor Alexander Koch, who is also a European patent attorney, encouraged four young entrepreneurs to found Fos4X. Together with Christian Hackl, a technology transfer expert at TUM-Tech, Prof. Koch will explain how patents laid the foundation for the fast-growing spin-out and its successful exit.