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Universityof Ulster

 


The University of Ulster is based on 4 Campuses across Northern Ireland, as well as a virtual campus, and has over 28,000 students. The University's course provision is the largest in the island of Ireland, covering Arts, Business and Management, Engineering, Information Technology, Life and Health Sciences and Social Sciences. Courses have a strong vocational element and the majority include a period of industrial or professional placement.
The University has a major direct and indirect impact on the economy and community in Northern Ireland. It employs over 3,500 staff, has an annual turnover in excess of £120 million and has embarked on a development programme of £200 million over the next 10 years.
In particular, the University of Ulster has unparalleled experience in the design, delivery, management and evaluation of a wide range of management and enterprise development initiatives.
The University has a strong track record in project management and is a key delivery partner in the Peace 2 Belfast LSP funded School for Social Entrepreneurs (budget £400k). This funding was secured after successful project management of a pilot Social Economy programme for Belfast LSP. Delivery of training and mentoring are key elements of this work and are of particular relevance to this application.
Below are some examples of programmes targeted at businesses which the University is currently actively involved in.
The University is a key delivery partner in the FUSION programme, which is a cross border technology focussed knowledge transfer programme funded by Intertrade Ireland. Throughout the life time of the FUSION programme the University of Ulster has been a partner in more FUSION programmes than any other academic institution in Ireland. This illustrates the University's extensive and successful track record in exchanging technology and knowledge with businesses throughout Ireland.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP)
The University has been involved for many years in the Knowledge Transfer Partnership programmes. The KTP programme is recognised as one of the key mechanisms in the UK for knowledge transfer from Further and Higher Education institutions to business. The University has completed over 100 KTP programmes to date, again demonstrating the Unviersity's experience in and commitment to knowledge transfer and development of businesses.
Innovation Promoters Programme (IPP)
The University of Ulster designed, developed, managed and implemented the Innovation Promoters Programme 2006 -7, a knowledge transfer programme aimed at small businesses in the Lisburn City Council area. The programme was funded through Lisburn City Council. This is another example of the University's track record in the design, management and implementation of programmes targeted at businesses.
The University is a key deliverer in the EpiCentre programme, which is delivered jointly with NWIFHE and LYIT. The Epicentre is a technology and innovation centre for the North West cross border region where practical industrial problems can be solved in partnership between local companies and the three further/higher education institutions in the region.

Technology Transfer through UUTech and Knowledge Transfer


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.

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