Access our IP

Each innovation is unique, so we draw on internal and external commercial experience and business knowledge in order to work with partners to structure the right licensing deal.

In some cases, we take our innovations to the market through the creation of a spin off company. 

Whatever route is most appropriate, our Technology Transfer specialists ensure that any intellectual property created through our research activities is used for the benefit of the university, society, industry and the wider economy. 

We are also able to help our industrial partners to find solutions to specific business problems through our close relationships with the university’s research base. 

Our response to the Independent Review of University Spinouts

The University of Salford welcomed the Independent Review of University Spin-out Companies published in November 2023. The timely release of the Government’s spin out review, subsequent recommendations and the University Spin-out Investment Terms (USIT) Guide have been invaluable in informing the University’s improved processes and visibility, and underpinning the current review of intellectual property policies, and changes recommended by the Technology Transfer Office (TTO).

While this is voluntary, the Government expects some universities to adopt these policies by the end of 2024, with Research England having responsibility for recording adoptees. Salford’s position is that we have substantively adopted the review’s best practices. 

The University of Salford’s approach to commercialising research reinforces the University’s innovation strategy and the three key goals; transforming lives, stimulating discovery and realising potential.

The University currently has spin-out companies created on terms that follow the best practice set out in the USIT Guide and the USIT for Software Guide. These companies have been created based on research from three schools and range from advanced materials, software, pharmaceuticals and social enterprise. Equity stakes do not exceed 25% and range from 1% to 21% across the portfolio.

Our IP and Spin Out policy is currently undergoing review, endorsement and approval and our equity position will be formalised within this academic year. 

The approach taken by the University has already seen benefits. Our membership of the NxNW Partners ICURe Programme consortium has facilitated an increased appetite for commercialisation activity across all four schools, delivering a breadth of projects that the University has previously not had, evidenced by our participation in both the Innovate UK ICURe Programme and ARC Accelerator accelerators.

Whilst the university already exceeds the cluster average rating in IP and Commercialisation (KEF4), the adoption of Government recommendations will ensure continued best practice. 

The current review, TTO support and founder friendly approach to supporting spin outs and commercialisation of research means that this is an area where The University of Salford will continue to grow.