Commercialisation

The University of Helsinki aims to increase the impact of science by commercialising innovations arising from research. The University's technology transfer and commercialisation company, Helsinki Innovation Services Ltd, is responsible for the commercialisation of university research.

Research commercialisation can be achieved by licensing intellectual property rights to a third party, establishing a spinout company, initiating further development work with a commercial partner, or leveraging venture builder collaboration.

The commercialisation of research-based innovations is typically prepared through commercialisation projects. The university's commercialisation process always adheres to the University of Helsinki's Intellectual Property Rights Guidelines and Commercialisation Principles (7.10.2024). This ensures that all parties have clear operating procedures and they recognise the rights and obligations related to the commercialisation of innovations. The Intellectual Property Rights Guidelines are based on the Act on the Right in Inventions made at Higher Education Institutions (369/2006) and the Copyright Act (404/1961).

Technology transfer

The University of Helsinki aims to ensure that innovations arising from research benefit society. In practice, this benefit is realised through technology transfer, whereby the ownership or usage rights of new technology developed through research are transferred from the university to a registered company. Technology transfer often involves directly establishing a spinout company, with which an intellectual property (IP) agreement is made.

Commercialisation and technology transfer of research at the University of Helsinki in a nutshell

Helsinki Innovation Services Ltd is responsible for the commercialisation and technology transfer processes of the University of Helsinki's research.
The university covers the initial patenting costs of the invention, or they are covered by the funding of the project preparing for commercialisation.
The innovation can be licensed to an industrial entity, or a spinout company can be established for commercialisation.
50% of the net proceeds from the IP agreement between the university and the commercialiser are distributed to the researchers.
When establishing a spinout company, the University of Helsinki Fund act as one of the founding partners, typically with a 15% share. The remaining ownership is divided among the operational team of the company.

Helsinki Innovation Services Ltd provides researchers with expert assistance throughout the entire commercialisation path. It handles the licensing, sale, and related negotiations of the university's intellectual property rights. Helsinki Innovation Services also manages the process related to the establishment of spinout companies. Contact Helsinki Innovation Services.