We announce today that Yamaguchi University and ScoutinScience have begun a collaboration aimed at enhancing innovation scouting and technology transfer.
Background for the start of the collaboration
In recent years, universities have been accelerating efforts to translate research outputs into societal and commercial impact through effective technology transfer. However, identifying high-potential innovations early from vast volumes of scientific publications remains challenging for Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) and research institutions. Yamaguchi University is seeking a tool to support its future technology development and scouting of scientific tech transfer potential. More specifically, the tool should increase insights into tech transfer potential from scientific (pre)publications. ScoutinScience has developed an AI-powered solution (SiS AI-solution) that scrapes, analyzes, and ranks scientific (pre)publications based on their tech transfer and business potential, using advanced metrics such as Business Potential Score (BPS)*¹ and Technology Readiness Level (TRL)*². This enables early detection of "potentially entrepreneurial" research, prioritization of promising ideas and researchers, proactive IP protection, and facilitation of industry matchmaking.
¹ Business Potential Score (BPS): An AI-derived metric assessing the commercial viability and market potential of research outputs. ² Technology Readiness Level (TRL): how close a technology is to practical application and how prepared it is for societal adoption
Details of the collaboration
Under this collaboration, ScoutinScience will retrieve, analyze, and release scientific (pre)publications authored by researchers affiliated with Yamaguchi University. The assessed results will be presented through a dedicated online portal accessible to the university. The collaboration will begin with an evaluation of research outputs published between January 2025 and January 2026. After completion of the initial release, continuous monitoring will be implemented on a monthly basis.
Objective and goal
The objective is to provide deeper, data-driven insights into the tech transfer potential of Yamaguchi University's research outputs.
Expected outcomes
The collaboration is expected to uncover high-potential research, accelerate pathways to commercialization, and strengthen industry–academia partnerships. It will enhance strategic oversight of Yamaguchi University’s research portfolio and support informed decision-making within technology transfer activities.
First outcomes of the collaboration
The initial assessment of 750 publications resulted in the following classification:
- 47 publications (6.3%) were classified as A
- 58 publications (7.7%) were classified as B
- 186 publications (24.8%) were classified as C
- 459 publications (61.2%) were classified as D
This first screening provides a structured overview of research outputs and helps prioritize those with stronger technology transfer and business potential. Among the most visible research themes identified so far are:
- biomedical platforms and translational medicine
- energy, electrochemistry and power electronics
- AI, software and cybersecurity systems
Examples within biomedical platforms and translational medicine include work on human and mouse endometrial organoids, ABPA murine models, and wound-healing fibroblast sheets. Within energy, electrochemistry and power electronics, examples include research on DAB converters and active filters, fluorine-doped Ni(OH)2 / cobalt oxyhydroxide electrolysis studies, and lithium-ion desolvation work. Within AI, software and cybersecurity systems, examples include SynergyAI pair programming, LLM abuse prevention, and attack detection for cyber-physical systems. The preliminary analysis has also helped identify promising research groups and thematic areas for further exploration and follow-up within the university, while providing broader insight into the institution’s research strengths and technology transfer opportunities.
For more information, please contact
Yamaguchi University 2-16-1, Tokiwadai, Ube-shi, Yamaguchi Phone: +81 (0)836-85-9961 Email: yuic@yamaguchi-u.ac.jp
Yamaguchi Technology Licensing Organization Ltd. 2-16-1, Tokiwadai, Ube-shi, Yamaguchi Phone: +81 (0)836-22-9768 Email: tlojim@yamaguchi-u.ac.jp
ScoutinScience Connect-U, Ariënsplein 1, 7511 JX Enschede, The Netherlands Phone: +31 85 083 1551 (WhatsApp) Email: info@scoutinscience.com Website: www.scoutinscience.com
