Getting started
Helping you understand where to begin and what support UCL Ventures provides.
Commercialisation is a new world to many academics, researchers and clinicians - but UCL Ventures is here to guide you through the process and achieve your goals.
The information below will give you a starting point to understand the early stages of commercialisation, while our team of experts will be able to assess your specific research and what is suitable.
Why take my research to market?
For decades, we’ve worked alongside researchers and clinicians across UCL - just like you - who care deeply about the impact of their work.
Whether that’s helping patients, supporting a breakthrough in the lab, or shaping the next generation of thinkers and creators, the motivation is shared across departments and specialisms: to make the world a better place. At its core, commercialisation is about giving strong ideas the chance to go beyond the lab or lecture theatre, and reach the people who need them.
With the right support, commercialisation can:
With the right support, commercialisation can:
You can reach people, communities and organisations beyond the university, deliver meaningful impact in your field at scale. For some researchers, commercialisation creates a legacy outside of academia.
Commercialisation can help you learn a new skill set, without stepping away from your research, and explore entrepreneurship on your terms.
Working with UCL Ventures means we can guide, protect and support the journey, so your research has the best possible chance to make a difference in the real world.
Protecting your idea is the first step
Before you can begin the work of commercialisation, you must first tell us about your idea or invention, known as disclosure, so that we can protect it robustly.
No idea is too early to protect, and early conversations help ensure your work is not compromised later.
Common questions
Absolutely - that's what we are here for. We take the time to understand your research, its potential applications and your goals, working with you to explore the most appropriate route to impact.
It's never too early to begin a conversation about how to get to market. In fact, earlier discussions might mean you can shape something commercially attractive from the outset.
Book a no-obligation and confidential discussion with the person who knows your field of research here.