Durham University takes responsibility for the commercialisation of its research and knowledge seriously as a distinctive form of knowledge transfer from the Institution. It has a structured and systematic approach supported by an experienced team of professional staff.
We define commercialisation to refer to any mechanism by which intellectual property, knowhow or expertise is developed and delivered into markets or paid for applications. It includes spinout companies, including both for-profit companies and social enterprises, licensing and sale of IP, and the commercialisation of know-how and expertise.
Durham University’s IP policy holds the following strategic values with respect to exploitation of Intellectual Property:
The policy expects that Intellectual Property originating from its activities should be exploited and transferred into use wherever possible and by the most effective means. Identified aims include the delivery of impact – into the economy, social and environmental development and regional economic growth and to support academic endeavour which provides a high-quality translation mechanism for our academic staff and encourages academic staff to locate and prosper at the University.
The University’s Strategy Refresh has placed strong emphasis on further strengthening the impact of the University’s research on the economy, society and on environmental priorities, including through commercialisation.
An independent report by Professor Irene Tracey and Doctor Andrew Williamson of university eco-systems and practice supporting spinout companies was published on 21 November 2023. The UK Government’s prompt response fully accepted the recommendations of the Spinout Review. Durham University has substantively adopted the Review’s best practices.Read our full statement of adoption.
Northern Accelerator is an innovative collaboration between Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland, Teesside and York Universities.
It has transformed research commercialisation in the North East, helping address regional imbalance and strengthening the region’s knowledge economy.
Northern Accelerator supports academics and business leaders to create promising spinout businesses from their world-leading academic research. These businesses create high quality jobs and raise significant investment in the North East and North Yorkshire.
Northern Accelerator is funded by Research England’s Connecting Capability Fund and the InTUNE partnership which is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the North of Tyne Combined Authority and Durham County Council.
Find out more about Northern Accelerator (external link)