A new Science|Business article by Ian Mundell explores how AI is reshaping university technology transfer - from making everyday work more efficient to helping uncover research with real innovation potential.
One example highlighted in the article is how AI can help bring overlooked research opportunities to the surface. In that context, the article features our work with Jacob Jolij and Tilburg University, where we supported the team by scanning research papers and preprints for potential innovations, while also surfacing related patents, relevant companies and funding opportunities that could support further development.
The first results came quickly: within the first couple of weeks, five potential leads were identified. Tilburg is now extending the process across the last two years of published research.
For us, this is a strong example of where AI can make a practical difference: helping organisations identify promising opportunities earlier, connect research with the right next steps, and give people a stronger starting point for turning research into impact.
The article also looks more broadly at how AI is being used across technology transfer, how far automation could go, and how the role of technology transfer professionals may evolve.
Thank you to Ian Mundell for writing the article and bringing these perspectives together, to Jacob Jolij (Tilburg University) for sharing the experience behind our work, to Néstor Rodriguez (Atrineo) and John Whelan (Trinity College Dublin) for contributing to the wider conversation around the future of technology transfer.
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