IP 2 SME
As well as supporting spinouts, Forging Ahead is also developing new commercialisation pathways.
Our pilot programme - ‘IP to SME’ - is focused on taking IP directly to potential customers.
The programme will place early career researchers into SMEs on secondment for three months, enabling the flow of university IP and a direct route to market.
The first cohort of researchers going into SMEs as part of this pilot will commence from March-May 2026.
Three phases of IP to SME
Phase 1
Identifying technology transfer innovation opportunities by matching a university research group with an SME.
Phase 2
It then identifies and places a researcher alongside an SME to explore new market opportunities.
Phase 3
This allows the flow of IP, through licensing, to enable a direct 'route to market' and a commercialisation opportunity.
Register your interest
If you are interested in learning more about the pilot, send email.