Support for staff
Staff can contact the Research Engagement and Commercialisation team through the Staff Portal.
License, commercialise or invest in UC research
Commercialising research is an integral way of creating impact through our research, so we work with industry partners, collaborators and investors to take innovative ideas and turn them into innovations. UC research has led to an innovative beehive frame design, a medication to slow the progression of myopia (shortsightedness), a spin-out company offering STEM education programs for schools and more.
Our in-house experts can help you navigate the complex IP process so ideas and innovations are protected and can be brought to market when ready. We are transparent around the terms of commercialising university- and joint-owned IP and negotiate who is best placed to lead the process.
UC researchers and amateur beekeepers Eddi Pianca and Livio Bonollo invented a beehive frame piece designed to be easily assembled with a matching piece to form a beehive frame. This frame is simpler to construct and maintain compared to traditional wooden or plastic frames, reducing the labour and time required for assembly and maintenance. It also minimises damage to the honeycomb during extraction, making the process more efficient and less labour-intensive. The IP was sold to a Canberra company HoneyBee Pty Ltd (HiveiQ) in 2022 for commercialisation.
UC researcher Regan Ashby has invented a pharmaceutical ocular composition designed to penetrate ocular tissues and elevate intraocular dopamine levels, helping to inhibit the development or progression of visual disorders like myopia (short-sightedness). This composition includes levodopa, an antioxidant, and an aqueous carrier for a more effective and less adverse alternative to current treatments. This research is in the trial and development stage with the Visual Neuroscience Group and international partners.
UC academics offer valuable consulting services to industry and government, bridging the gap between academic insight and real-world application. Leveraging our research expertise and resources, we can tackle complex challenges, develop innovative technologies, and craft informed policies that drive progress and improve decision-making.
To explore consulting arrangements, search our research portal for an expert or contact us.
Protect and grow your idea
Protecting the ideas and innovations developed through your research, work or study is important and the University can help staff and students navigate the IP process so you take the right steps at the right time to ensure your IP is recognised and valued.
The first step in protecting your IP is to tell us about it, via an IP Disclosure, which protects your idea but gives us enough detail to provide advice and support. Our experts can then work with you to assess the potential of the IP in a timely way. See our Intellectual Property Policy for more details.
Explore creating a start-up company
Creating a start-up company may be the best option to turn your idea or innovation into a commercial product, service or business. UC is a foundation member of the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN), a not-for-profit launched in 2014 to support and empower local entrepreneurs to make an impact and change the world. We can connect you to CBRIN and its members to help find potential investors or business partners, or help you apply for one of their programs to support your venture.
The Mill House Ventures, located on UC campus and a member of CBRIN, is a social enterprise intermediary that supports entrepreneurs and businesses looking to trade with purpose. They offer a range of programs and support for local social enterprises. We can connect you to Mill House or you can reach out to them directly.
Support for students
Students can contact the Enterprise Development and Partnerships team or refer to our Intellectual Property policy.
Get in touch with the Research and Enterprise Portfolio to begin or continue your journey in research, explore opportunities for collaboration, draw on our research expertise, or establish a relationship with UC.
