NovaUCD

The Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre

An Lárionad Nuála agus Aistrithe Teicneolaíochta

Welcome to NovaUCD's Website

NovaUCD is the Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre at UCD. Officially opened in October 2003, NovaUCD’s vision is to become an international leader in the commercialisation of research and other knowledge-intensive activity for the benefit of the economy and society.

NovaUCD

NovaUCD is responsible for the implementation of UCD policies relating to intellectual property (IP) and for the provision of advice on the identification, protection and exploitation of this IP. NovaUCD works with UCD researchers in identifying the most appropriate business model for the commercialisation of the IP which may involve licensing to commercial partners or the creation of spin-off companies.

NovaUCD provides entrepreneurs and knowledge-based start-up companies with a comprehensive business support programme comprising advice, seminars, consultancy, workshops and individual training.

NovaUCD also provides incubation and other related facilities for entrepreneurs, campus companies and knowledge-based ventures.

In addition NovaUCD is the main point of contact for companies seeking partners for collaborative research and advice on licensing and other commercial opportunities and is responsible for the development of co-operation with industry and business.

NovaUCD is located in a magnificent mid-18th century house in the Belfield Innovation Park on the University campus. The concept for the innovation and technology transfer centre was to restore the original house as the centrepiece of a complex of subsidiary buildings that surround it. The building is bright, airy and open with high-quality shared and circulation spaces that encourage the formal and informal interactions necessary for the development of a community of entrepreneurs.

This conversion to a modern innovation and technology transfer centre was funded by a unique public-private partnership. Six private sector sponsors - AIB Bank, Arthur Cox, Deloitte, Ericsson, Goodbody Stockbrokers, and Xilinx contributed 75% of the €10 million raised to develop the first two phases (3,750 m2) of a planned 8,000 m2 development. These sponsors were chosen to bring an appropriate mix of expertise and experience to the support programmes offered by NovaUCD. The balance of funds for the first two phases was contributed by Enterprise Ireland and UCD. Additional ‘wet-lab’ space to accommodate biotechnology start-up companies has also been funded (€1.3 million) by Enterprise Ireland and UCD.

NovaUCD and its predecessor, the University Industry Programme now has 20 years experience of supporting innovation and technology transfer at UCD. During this time NovaUCD has supported a number of commercial ventures involving the licensing of UCD technology to established and new companies.

Notable successes include the development and licensing of a BSE test, which to date has generated €2 million in royalty income for UCD and the establishment of a range of spin-off companies including BiancaMed, Celtic Catalysts, ChangingWorlds, Neosera Systems, NTERA and WBT Systems who have already successfully raised over €150 million in investment.

Please do not hesitate to contact me or a member of the NovaUCD team if you require assistance on the identification, protection and exploitation of intellectual property, support for the establishment and development of start-up companies, including access to incubation space and the development of co-operative links between UCD and the industry and business community.

Dr Pat Frain
Director, NovaUCD

Dr Pat Frain, Director, NovaUCD

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