About ICE

UUTech, which is an integral part of the University, was created to facilitate the transfer of scientific discovery and innovation to the commercial marketplace.  It is the technology transfer arm of the University.

The University’s world-class scientists and researchers make discoveries and innovative breakthroughs at an increasingly rapid rate. UUTech ensures that this work is aligned to market needs and moves out of the laboratory into the real world efficiently and effectively, generating additional funding for the next generation of research.  There is substantial scope as part of the programme for participants to take advantage of technology transfer opportunities from the University.

The University has extensive experience of supporting companies to start through its technology transfer team.  Routes utilised to commercialise UU Intellectual Property include spin out companies, start up companies and licensing or assignment of intellectual property.  Business development support programmes are offered to these companies to assist them to grow. ST&D and 8Over8 are examples of high potential, knowledge-based companies spun out from the University. 

To support the clustering of knowledge-based companies, the University of Ulster has established Science Research Parks on the Coleraine, Jordanstown and Magee campuses. The mission of UUSRP is to develop and manage the Science Parks to create environments that are supportive of the incubation, development and clustering of high technology, high growth companies in close proximity to University students, research personnel, resources and facilities. The Technology and Software Innovation Centre (TSIC) at the Magee campus of the University provides 3,000 sq ft of office space.

The University employs 1350 academics who work within five Faculties, namely Arts, Business and Management, Engineering, Life and Health Sciences and Social Sciences.  The range of expertise which resides within the University is vast, this coupled with the depth of the expertise and the opportunities for cross-disciplinary support is a formidable strength that the University can bring to the programme participants. The range of sectors that the University has experience in supporting include engineering, ICT, agri-food, creative industries, life sciences, manufacturing and sustainable technologies.

The University’s technology transfer team has specific expertise in the management of Intellectual Property.  They have extensive experience in advising businesses on intellectual property rights, the associated costs and challenges.

The teaching and learning, research and knowledge transfer activities of the University has given us valuable access to national and international networks of education and expertise providers, which can be tapped into for the benefit of participants. 

The University of Ulster has established structures in place to maximise knowledge transfer opportunities, managed through its Business Liaison Office.  The Business Liaison Office is the gateway for businesses interesting in accessing expertise, resources or services from the University.  The Business Liaison Office matches business needs to the relevant University expertise through the most appropriate knowledge transfer mechanism.