For researchers

Due to the nature of the knowledge transfer process, our services for UM researchers usually necessitate a long-term venture that requires commitment and dedication from both sides, and the journey should be considered in its entirety.

We always strive for constructive and mutual trustful partnerships with researchers, so do get in touch. with any questions.  Our approach is based on building long-standing relationships with researchers, that are essential to work alongside one another. We are happy to discuss any questions you may have at any stage of your technologies development.

Below you can find more information on disclosing your invention and how we can help you commercialise it. An overview of the process, from invention disclosure to commercialisation can be found here.


 

While carrying out research, you may generate new intellectual property (knowledge, technology, software, etc.) that may have a potential for application beyond your research.

The KTO can assist in accessing the potential value of your research. It is therefore important to identify whether such intellectual property has commercial or social value. If you think you have a new invention disclose it to us by filling in the Invention Disclosure Form. We will assess the invention's potential for exploitation in the private or public sector, and we will perform a due diligence procedure to establish the IP ownership and inventorship. In case the assessment is positive, we will conduct an IP check, and draw up a plan for commercialising the invention.

It is important that the invention is not disclosed to others before an assessment has been done or it has been protected.

In order to make confidential disclosures to third parties you may require a Non-Disclosure Agreement. We can also guide you as to what content should be included in terms of publications or conference presentations, should there not be enough time for protection measures to be completed prior to disclosure.

It is important to ensure that your invention has freedom to operate, because 15-25% of all R&D efforts are wasted every year on developing something that has already been patented. Based on the details provided in the Invention Disclosure Form, we conduct a patent search including a patent landscape analysis using the most up-to-date worldwide patent database. Your invention will be assessed in light of the patent search result in order to evaluate patentability.

Commercialising an invention is a lengthy, collaborative process that will likely involve other stakeholders. 

It can result in several forms, such as: licensing the rights to a patented invention, creating a spin-out to develop and sell products or provide services using the invention, or even making the invention available to anyone for a greater good.

Anyhow, it definitely needs a plan including a development roadmap, IP protection strategy, funding and resource requirements, commercialisation plan and eventually business plan among others. We will guide you and support you throughout the whole process.  

Have a look at some of the projects we are in the process of commercialising.

You will need funds to take your invention to the next readiness level.

Get to know about the national schemes intended to support various development phases of technologies with a potential commercial value.

Proof of Concept funds

The TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award (TOSFA) includes a Proof of Concept category which aims to academics in next phase of their business or research idea. The TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award is a joint initiative between the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation (CEBI) at the University of Malta, and the Ministry for the Economy, Industry and Small Business (MEIB). More information can be found on the TAKEOFF website.

The Maritime Seed Award (MarSA) provides a Proof of Concept category which focuses on developing research ideas which have a focus in the Maritime Field. MarSA is a collaboration between the Malta Marittima Agency (MMA) and the University of Malta with the support of the University’s Knowledge Transfer Office, TAKEOFF Business Incubator and Centre for Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation. More information can be found on the TAKEOFF website.

Technology Development funds

The main objectives of FUSION are: to raise the level and profile of locally funded research; to ingrain research and innovation at the heart of the Maltese economy; to spur knowledge-driven and value-added growth and to sustain improvements in the quality of life. This, by translating research results into commercial activities that generate a multiplier effect on the economy at large. FUSION also provides the form in which public and private enterprises invest in more innovative, eco-efficient products and services. This, in turn, enables the Maltese economy to become more resource-efficient, competitive and attractive to foreign investors.

For guidance on submitting a FUSION application get in touch with RSSD.

Seed funds

TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award (TOSFA) aims to assist start-ups and academics in next phase towards the commercialisation of their business or research idea. The TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award is a joint initiative between the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation (CEBI) at the University of Malta and the Ministry for the Economy, Industry and Small Business (MEIB). More information can be found on the TAKEOFF website.

Maritime Seed Award (MarSA) aims to help move promising ideas from the Maritime Field forward. MarSA is a collaboration between the Malta Marittima Agency (MMA) and the University of Malta with the support of the University's Knowledge Transfer Office, TAKEOFF Business Incubator and Centre for Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation (CEBI). More information can be found on the TAKEOFF website.

We encourage and facilitate collaboration with industrial partners.

This can include applying for funding together, student placements, collaborations, sharing know-how, and so on. If you would like us to help you foster existing relationships with industry, or find an organisation with which to collaborate, contact us.

Together with Malta University Consulting we can also assist you in quoting, invoicing and all the other tasks which are involved with consultancy services you may wish to offer. This may take the form of technical advice, teaching courses or lab services. We also help to protect your and the University's interests in terms of intellectual property and publications.

Whether you are seeking to collaborate with an industrial partner, or offer your consultancy services, we recommend that you ensure your research interests are updated in your personal profile on the University website. We can then find you more easily if approached by an organisation that wishes to work with the University and someone with your expertise.

To update your profile:   
  • go to the UM staff portal
  • select 'Your profile and contact details'
  • click on 'View/update your profile and contact details'.

https://www.um.edu.mt/knowledgetransfer/researchers