Campus by Times Higher Education

THE podcast: What does it take to successfully commercialise research?

Jun 26, 2025
Andrew Hammond, co-founder of Biocentis with a molecular biology background, and Mairi Gibbs, CEO of Oxford University Innovation, delve into the complexities of commercializing academic research. They discuss the critical stages for transforming ideas into viable businesses, the importance of intellectual property, and investor insights. Topics include the societal impact of spin-outs, gender imbalances in funding, and the role of innovations like gene drive technology in addressing global challenges. Their conversations highlight the collaboration needed to navigate this intricate landscape.
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ADVICE

Early Intellectual Property Protection

  • Protect your research with appropriate intellectual property like patents or copyrights early.
  • Consider whether to license your innovation or create a spin-out company for commercialization.
INSIGHT

What Investors Look For

  • Investors seek large market opportunities with manageable risks and credible teams.
  • Clear business plans and demonstrable market potential help reduce perceived investment risks.
INSIGHT

Scale Drives Spin-Out Success

  • University scale drives spin-out success due to resource volume and learning pace.
  • Smaller institutions form consortia to achieve scale and improve spin-out activity.
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