Oxford announces revised arrangements for spinout companies

'Smart glazing' company Bodle Technologies was spun out of Oxford research with the help of Oxford University Innovation earlier this year. A new, standardised approach for the licensing of intellectual property (IP) to spinout companies has been adopted by Oxford University. This is designed to further support the thriving spinout ecosystem by simplifying and harmonising terms of licences, as well as ensuring that financial returns to the inventors and the University align directly with the commercial success of the companies formed, while giving maximum opportunity for the companies to thrive. The new approach is intended to boost both the volume and value of translated science from Oxford. Professor Ian Walmsley, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, said: 'Oxford aims to be innovative in how it approaches the commercialisation of research outcomes. Success relies on a close relationship between researchers, technology experts and investors, and our unique standardised format will streamline the spinout process, benefiting the University, researchers who wish to commercialise their research in this way, our partners at Oxford Sciences Innovation (OSI), and other investors.' Ensuring that impact and exploitation of IP is maximised is a key strategic aim for University and something for which it is increasingly recognised. With the combination of world-class, enthusiastic academics, experienced translators of science at Oxford University Innovation (OUI), and the availability of additional capital and business experience from OSI and others, the building blocks of further success are in place.