Your options to move forwards
Each pathway to market has different benefits and challenges - find out more about each one.
All UCL staff, researchers and affiliated clinicians can work side by side with UCL Ventures to take their innovations to market.
There are a number of pathways to market, but our commercialisation experts - known as Business Managers - will guide you to the one that fits your research, goals and the commercial opportunity best.
There are some ‘rules of thumb’ that can be used as a starting point for discussion, as outlined below.
Which route is right for my invention?
Each route to market has its own merits, challenges, and restrictions to consider before moving forwards.
Licensing route | Spinout route | |
Definition | Granting a pre-existing company a licence to use your research / invention in their business | Creating a company that licenses your research / invention for commercial use and development |
Market | Works best in established markets with clear customers and existing players | Suited to newer or fast‑changing markets, where needs are still developing |
Technology & | A focused technology solving a specific or well-defined problem (narrow IP position) Can be an improvement on something that already exists, or something entirely new Fits into an existing company’s product plan / roadmap Needs to be integrated into existing roadmap | A broader, more flexible technology with wider potential (broad, defensible IP) A disruptive technology, or platform technology with many potential applications Relies on researcher know-how to develop and apply, as well as the IP |
Customer access | Need to develop a relationship with the customer Preferable for licensor to have a track record of bringing products to market | Customer segments may be new or rapidly evolving |
Team | Academic founders usually stay in academia - but licensing their research ensures the technology still reaches the market For those who:
| For those who:
|
Funding | More likely to attract interest from established companies and industry partners | Strong interest from venture capital - investors are key to scaling the business |
Every innovation is different
Industry norms, the maturity of the technology, and the needs of potential partners all play a role in shaping the right decision. Many sectors also tend to favour particular routes to adoption, so it’s important to consider the wider context.
In all cases, a clear and credible market need is essential before a commercialisation project can move forward. Building that understanding early strengthens your position and helps shape the right pathway.
And remember: it’s never too early to start the conversation with the Business Manager who understands your field...
Is your research...?
For ideas that are driven by community, societal or environmental benefit.
Social Ventures are for-profit - but money is then reinvested to continue delivering impact or scale it further.
UCL Ventures has dedicated funding available for researchers committed to social impact.
... then a licensing or spinout company pathway with our Social Ventures team could be suitable.
Social impact can be achieved via both routes, depending on how your research is developed and applied. Find out more:
Routes to social impact
Supporting you, whatever the journey
We have over 30 years’ experience in creating successful spinouts, licensing opportunities and creating
social impact, offering a full suite of services to UCL researchers, including:
- intellectual property management and patenting
- help selecting the most suitable route for your goals and research
- market assessment and business planning support
- connecting you with partners, investors and contacts
- leading engagement and negotiation with licensor and/or venture capital partners.
Find out more about working with us and how the process works:
Common questions
Absolutely - our commercialisation experts are here to understand your research and goals, before advising on the route that will suit your situation best. Find the person who understands your field here.
It's never too early for a conversation with UCL Ventures. Whether you have a proven protoype, a concept in testing, or just want to know if your idea has any commercial potential, then our Business Managers are here to help.
If your idea is in the earliest stages, they may even be able to advise on ways to make your research more suitable to take to market, or better positioned commercially. Get in touch here.
Discover your team
You don’t need commercial experience: our experts will support you from protection and planning to partners, funding and launch.
Meet our expertsA proven track record of success
UCL Ventures has more than 30 years’ experience in taking excellent research from UCL to market.
Read our case studies