How did we do? 2021 for the University Innovation Centre in figures
Kirjoittanut Niina Karvinen
Here at the University Innovation Centre, we have already moved quite far into the next year, and we can soon start sharing our experiences in the year’s first Research to Business (R2B) funding call of Business Finland, but let’s take a look at how we did last year in the light of figures. How did we do?
When activities focus on cooperation with companies, coaching researchers to find the commercial potential of research, and protecting research-related inventions and ideas, the indicators are quite varied.
We monitor the number of registered inventions and works, the transfer of technology to companies, patent applications, as well as public funding received and research-based companies established. One natural indicator measures the number of internal meetings set up to support our core operations.
Last year, we held 1,253 meetings with our researchers and provided them with 49 different training and information events.
We also had more than 400 meetings with companies. These resulted in partnership and cooperation agreements, for example.
We had nine Business Finland R2B projects in progress in different phases, and we demonstrated researcher teams to investors at six separate events.
In 2021, three research-based companies were established: 1) Auroptic Medical Oy, a developer of a real-time and AI-based biopsy needle; 2) Onnikka Health Oy, a comprehensive wellness app for healthy weight loss; and 3) Ahti Carbon Oy for the recovery of carbon dioxide.
A total of 39 teams of researchers or students applied for Proof-of-Concept funding provided by the City of Oulu, and we provided funding for 17 of them. These projects submitted two R2B applications for the same year and will probably submit three to four applications for this year, and they produced three granted co-innovation, co-creation and commissioned research projects. This funding instrument (EU, BF, SA, NIH, foundations) also resulted in additional information for four patent applications and six applications for research funding.
Even though the pandemic continued for its second year, we were able to build new ways of working and strengthen our existing practices during our third operating year. We will continue to agilely develop our activities this year, and a year from now, we hope to be able to announce more news of our increased effectiveness, both with our internal and external customers.
Niina Karvinen
Liiketoiminnan asiantuntija // Business Development Specialist
+358 50 430 9116, niina.karvinen@oulu.fi
Ihmistieteet; tutkimustulosten kaupallistaminen, Proof-of-Concept ja R2B -rahoitukset, EIT -instrumentti, opiskelijoiden liikeideat, liiketoimintaosaamisen valmennukset, innovaatiot.
Human Sciences; commercialization of research results, Proof-of-Concept and Business Finland R2B -fundings, EIT, student business ideas, coaching, entrepreneurship trainings, innovations.