Commercialization efforts for York University research have received a $300,000 boost in funding from Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON).
The new funding will support the Office of the Vice-President Research and Innovation and the IP Innovation Clinic at York University to enhance its intellectual property and commercialization services to York researchers and their partners, particularly for increasing research outputs related to artificial intelligence, automotive and medical technology.
Jennifer MacLean
"With IPON's financial backing, we will be able to streamline and develop a full-service IP and commercialization pathway for our faculty, students and our partners, and strengthen York's pursuit of licensing and research partnership opportunities," said Jennifer MacLean, assistant vice-president of innovation and research partnerships. "Our goal is to triple the number of disclosures and double the number of patents filed by York students and faculty per year, while supporting licensing and partnerships that move York's great ideas forward."
The fund will help create two new staff positions - an assistant director for the IP Innovation Clinic and a business development and commercialization manager for OVPRI - and increase business and commercialization impact for IP holders in Ontario.
"This investment is just one example of how IPON is supporting our province's postsecondary institutions and innovators, by providing them with the funding, tools, knowledge and connections they need to harness the value of their IP," said Jill Dunlop, minister of colleges and universities. "Initiatives like this are helping our province's innovators benefit from IPON's expertise and ensuring the economic and commercial benefits of home-grown innovation remain right here in Ontario."
Commercialization of research outputs can mean bringing a new product or service to the market. An invention by a researcher can solve a problem faced by consumers or businesses or help make life easier or more efficient. Commercialization can also extend the positive reach and impact University research has on society by driving revenue growth through sustained market opportunities.
Pina D'Agostino with an AI robot
"The IPON funds will be invaluable to help scale the many successes of the IP Innovation Clinic working with Ontario's startups," said Pina D'Agostino, associate professor at Osgoode Hall Law School and the founder of the IP Innovation Clinic. "With these resources we can serve many more clients who do not have money to pay for expensive legal fees. We are also able to train many more law students to be IP and business savvy to protect key assets in the disruptive tech economy."
York is among 10 universities and colleges in Ontario to receive funding as part of the provincial agency's pilot project to strengthen Ontario's knowledge economy.
For the official announcement from IPON, click here: Intellectual Property Ontario investing $2 million to support innovation and commercialization at postsecondary schools Intellectual Property Ontario (ip-ontario.ca).
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
