UCL recognised for its leading IP commercialisation in KEF 2026

UCL has once again been recognised as one of the UK's leading universities for 'knowledge exchange' - the process of taking ideas research and innovations beyond academia and out to the world - and has achieved the highest rating for intellectual property and commercialisation in this year's Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF).

7 October 2026

The recognition reflects the strength of UCL and UCL Ventures' ability to turn world-class research into products, technologies and businesses that make a difference in people's lives.

For UCL Ventures, the results highlight the importance of providing researchers with the expertise, guidance and commercial support needed to translate promising ideas into real-world solutions.

Through collaboration with industry, government and third-sector organisations, new discoveries can move from the laboratory, clinic and classroom into the wider world, creating economic value and delivering tangible societal benefits.

One of the most powerful ways this happens is through spinout companies.

Over the past five years, 45 spinouts have been launched from UCL with support from UCL Ventures. Together, these ventures have raised more than £3 billion in investment and now employ over 2,500 people. These businesses are helping to bring breakthrough research to market while generating value that can be reinvested into future discovery and innovation.

Among the many success stories recognised through UCL's research base is Autolus Therapeutics.

Formed to translate research by Dr Martin Pule from the UCL Cancer Institute, the UCL-supported venture has developed new forms of immunotherapy, which can offer significant benefits to patients.

The new CAR-T treatment works by ‘reprogramming’ a particular type of immune cells, called T-cells, to recognise and kill a patient’s cancerous cells.

Significantly reducing side effects compared with chemotherapy, and remaining active in the body to fight off recurring disease, the treatment offers a new lifeline for adults with treatment-resistant or recurring leukaemia.

It was made available to NHS patients for the first time earlier this year. 

Another example is Odin Vision, a UCL spinout helping to improve the detection of colorectal cancer through artificial intelligence.

Drawing on research from UCL, including work led by Professor Danail Stoyanov in UCL Computer Science, the company's AI-assisted software helps clinicians analyse endoscopy images in real time, highlighting tissue that may require closer investigation. By supporting faster and more effective identification of abnormalities, the technology has the potential to improve clinical outcomes and enhance patient care.

Today, Odin Vision's technology is being used in hospitals across the UK and Europe, with ambitions to extend its impact even further.

Dr Anne Lane, CEO, UCL Ventures says :

"These KEF results demonstrate something I see every day in our work with UCL academics: a vibrant entrepreneurial culture and a passion for translating world-class research into therapies, products and services that improve the way we all work, live and thrive."

UCL has now maintained a strong position across the first five KEF assessments, underlining its long-term commitment to innovation, enterprise and impact.

Find out more about how UCL is still leading the way in knowledge exchange, during its 200th year.