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.
While this pilot is in the early stages of its development, we will be sharing details of its next steps in the new year. The first cohort of researchers going into SMEs 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.