Researchers and inventors
Intellectual property and invention disclosure
Management of intellectual property (IP) is important and has several potential benefits for researchers. IP makes the invention more attractive for commercial funding and partnering. Research co-operation with companies and patenting is also one way to achieve scientific excellence and new discoveries.
The inventor or inventors must inform Aalto University without delay after having made an invention covered by the Act on the Right in Inventions Made at Higher Education Institutes by submitting a written, dated and signed invention disclosure form to Aalto University.
Invention is a technical solution to a technical problem, which is not obvious or evident to a professional in the relevant technical field. Researchers are required to sign agreements concerning intellectual property in externally funded projects.
Invention disclosure is an employee’s notification to the employer about the invention, required by law. Aalto employee should submit an invention disclosure without delay after having made an invention.
Innovation Services evaluates the invention. It is crucial to keep the invention secret and confidential after submission.
Innovation coordinator helps inventors and researchers in all matters in submitting the invention and early stages of the invention process.
Innovation advisors evaluate the invention and support researchers in the preparation of commercialisation projects. They are also responsible of protecting Intellectual Property Rights owned by Aalto University and of negotiating and executing the transfer and license agreements with commercial entity.
Commercialisation funding
Commercialisation needs resources for further development of an invention. Selected funding instruments are dedicated to conduct Proof-of-Relevance and Proof-of-Concept.
Pre-incubator programme
R2B, or the Research to Business pre-incubator programme, is open year-round to original innovations and inventions based on research at Aalto University. The programme is especially for projects that are at the idea stage and that focus on technological research. Once these projects have incorporated, Aalto Startup Center can offer them its Business Generator accelerator programme.
Submit invention disclosure
The purpose of the survey is to map the innovation potential in Aalto University in relation to both the researchers' interest to commercialize/productize their research results and the possibilities for utilization of research results. The survey is organized by Aalto University Innovation Services.
Guidelines and policies for innovation, intellectual property and commercialization in Aalto University.
Innovation Services’ Researchers Practical Guide to Intellectual Property offers practical information about intellectual property rights, such as patents and copyrights.
Aalto University is home to a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and culture. The ecosystem is powered by both student-led entrepreneurial activities and the university's own research and innovation hubs.
Research ideas are commercialized in Aalto's incubators and accelerators; students find unforeseeable pathways towards entrepreneurship. Building on this, Aalto fosters a thriving culture of innovation.
Aalto University aims at maximising the impact of new knowledge created by the university activities while protecting inventors rights in the commercialisation process. Innovation Services advises teams on how to protect the innovation and develop it towards commercialisation.