Possible Means of Commercialization

Research produces discoveries of different types and at different levels of development. The Czech system recognizes the following types:

1. Original research leading to new discoveries with commercial potential.
2. Collaborative research between an institution and a commercial partner during which new intellectual property (IP) belonging to both partners is created.
3. Contracted research where no IP remains at the institution and the commercial partner financially compensates the institution.

The primary route of commercialization at IOCB focuses on the first type. If the discovery is to be transformed into an invention, more experimental and proof-of-concept work is typically required. One way to proceed is to utilize the grant system in the Czech Republic, namely support from the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic. Another possible approach is the creation of a small internal team called a SWAT team (see below), or to enlist the help of the PharmTheon translational center.

The second way is always very specific and depends on the partner; for instance, IOCB cooperates in this manner with Gilead, and there has also been collaboration with Novo Nordisk, etc. We will be happy to discuss such opportunities.

The third way is the least preferred, with some exceptions where we can help an industrial partner because our specific expertise.