WINDSOR, Ont. — In a significant boost to innovation and commercialization, the University of Windsor has been awarded $300,000 by Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) to fortify its intellectual property capabilities.
The funding is earmarked for UWindsor’s Office of Research Partnership, a key player in technology transfer and industry collaboration, enhancing the university's capacity to bring inventions to market.
The investment is part of IPON's broader initiative, investing $2.9 million into 10 Ontario postsecondary institutions to fuel innovation and commercial endeavours.
The University of Windsor stands out in this initiative, with plans to utilize the funds to advance technology transfer and foster industry partnerships, crucial steps in transforming university inventions into market-ready innovations.
Shanthi Johnson, Vice President of Research and Innovation at UWindsor, expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for the IPON support, highlighting the University's vibrant community of inventors and innovators.
"The University of Windsor and the Windsor-Essex community have a strong roster of inventors and innovators who develop new technologies that will shape how we live, work and play,” said Dr. Johnson.
“The support from IPON will greatly increase our ability to bring those inventions to the marketplace.”
Adding to its strategic initiatives, the University of Windsor has also forged a partnership with Brock University. This collaboration introduces a technology transfer internship, providing students with invaluable insights into intellectual property's role in enhancing the experiences of cross-border communities.
Additional marketing and intellectual property educational opportunities for local innovators and businesses complement this initiative.
“We’re thrilled to extend funding to 10 new postsecondary recipients to support their efforts to build IP capacity and better support their researchers and innovators,” said Dan Herman, Chief Executive Officer at Intellectual Property Ontario.
“This funding will help institutions across the province more effectively translate research into commercializable innovations while ensuring the IP at their foundation is appropriately developed and protected.”
Among the University of Windsor's ready-to-market technologies is a compact wireless breathing-detection sensor. This innovative device combines various inputs to track breathing patterns without the encumbrance of wires and heavy equipment.
For more information about the University of Windsor's research commercialization efforts and industry partnerships, visit uwindsor.ca or contact the Research Partnerships team at researchpartnerships@uwindsor.ca.