The University of Oklahoma’s Office of Innovation and Corporate Partnerships (OICP) supports OU innovators in moving transformative technologies from the lab to the marketplace. With a focus on supporting faculty, staff, and students, OICP facilitates licensing, engages in meaningful industry collaborations, fosters technology commercialization, and builds relationships that can ultimately provide access to capital and talent.
In 2021, OU streamlined the disclosure process for inventors by simplifying the documentation process for OU-generated technologies, intellectual property, and commercial opportunities. This simplification has resulted in increased disclosure numbers year after year, reflecting a thriving culture of innovation and openness at OU. Timely disclosure and effective communication are essential in evaluating market potential, forging industry partnerships, securing additional funding, and safeguarding intellectual property. These practices significantly enhance the likelihood of successful commercialization and market adoption of OU technologies.
OICP’s iPath program offers a structured framework for transforming ideas into impactful solutions created by OU inventors. iPath consists of three phases: ideation, business planning, and development of capital strategy. Through iPath, participants receive customized guidance and resources, empowering them to embark on their innovation journey at their own pace. OICP has strategically aligned the iPath program with the University’s Growth Fund to ensure promising projects receive the necessary financial support as early as possible in the process.
OICP actively cultivates partnerships with venture capital firms and external organizations. Recognizing the value of collaboration with the private sector, OICP has established strong relationships with national and local investment firms like Echo Investment Capital and Boyd Street Ventures. These partnerships can provide funding opportunities for OU inventors and offer invaluable expertise and industry networks. By fostering these relationships, OICP maximizes the commercialization potential of OU-developed technologies while prioritizing the OU researcher’s involvement throughout the process.
OICP collaborates with the Price College of Business through its Ronnie K. Irani Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth and the Tom Love Innovation Hub to offer OU innovators training and support through various programming offered there. This comprehensive approach to support empowers OU inventors to effectively communicate the value of their business proposition and navigate the complexities of the commercialization process.
As OICP continues cultivating a supportive ecosystem for OU inventors, OU reaffirms its commitment to positively impacting society. By fueling excellence in research and creative endeavors, OU’s discoveries are transforming lives and driving meaningful change.
Learn more about OICP during their July 12th event, Introduction to the Office of Innovation & Corporate Partnerships.
