A scientist working with lasers

Imperial values collaborative research that combines real-world business challenges with academic curiosity and research rigour to deliver tangible benefits for society.

Whether through consultancy, technology licensing, commercially-funded projects or the creation of technology-based startups, the opportunities to develop ideas into impact are varied and plentiful, largely driven by Imperial Enterprise.

Imperial works with academic and research staff to translate their work into partnerships and commercial opportunities and increase impact from their research. We combine deep understanding of science and technology with commercial acumen and a wide professional network to gain insight into a technology's potential and identify the best route to market.

We’re passionate about identifying, developing and commercialising Imperial’s academic discoveries. By promoting collaboration between academics, industry and investors, and providing support to access to translational funds and licensing, we give projects the best chance of success in the industry and beyond.

Ways in which Enterprise supports ideation and opportunities

  • Mapping and promoting Imperial’s research capabilities and licensing portfolio
  • Securing collaborative research with industry partners and commercialisation income
  • Assessing research discoveries, and advancing the technologies through to market adoption via collaboration with industry
  • Managing industry partnerships and key stakeholder relationships

We have many modes of partnership that we can undertake, with a wide range of opportunities and flexibility:

We offer the chance to realise the full potential of your research by connecting you with some of the world’s most exciting organisations.

How can we help you?

Introduction to commercialisation

Turn research into businesses, products or services.

Learn more about commercialisation at Imperial

Working with industry

Helping academics and businesses work together to develop new insights and technologies and translate them into commercial opportunities

Find out more about working with industry

Tell us about your invention

It is never too early to tell us about an idea or technology you are working on. Get in touch with the team so we can help assess novelty, inventiveness and commercial potential and protect it as appropiate.

Tell us about an invention

Forming a startup

A detailed overview of the startup process at Imperial

Learn about the startup process

Intellectual property guidance for inventors

Notes for inventors about intellectual property (IP)

Read more about IP