Commercialisation process

1. Development and assessment
It all starts with an invention based on significant research efforts carried out in DTU departments and centers. In the Idea development phase, DTU Technology Transfer will make a detailed assessment of the invention to understand its commercial potential and to evaluate if the invention is patentable. DTU will decide whether or not to take formal ownership.

2. Project Scoping
The purpose of the Project scoping phase is to create a high-level plan for commercialisation of the invention. A supporting IP strategy is designed as well as a general technical development plan for the invention, the latter is devised in collaboration with the inventors. A commercial strategy, including funding needs, marketing and collaboration activities, is also in focus during Project scoping.

3. Project maturing
DTU Technology Transfer and the inventors develop the project to a point where:

• the value proposition and the market is described
• the IP position and regulatory route are known
• and the technical verification of the invention has progressed to a level ready for commercialisation.

The project is now at a state where it can be promoted to potential commercial partners. Validation of specific customer pains and needs is obtained through dialogue with customers, partners and investors. DTU Technology Transfer encourages founding teams to establish advisory boards early as expert commercial competences will help to set a clear direction for the project and keep a strong momentum.

4. Deal-making
The purpose of this phase is to enter into a commercial agreement with a spin-out company or an established company. As the project approaches the company establishment phase, DTU Technology Transfer will gradually decrease our involvement in favour of the advisory board and the founding team. We typically negotiate a licensing agreement with the company and ensure that the technology is transferred from DTU to the company. We support founding teams with a Start-up Package where independent partners of DTU Technology Transfer provide the start-up with legal and financial advice.