Solutions for Industry

The Australian Research Council provides opportunities for funding of up to 50% of collaborative research projects between a university and an approved industrial or governmental organisation through the ARC Linkage Scheme.

UQ is the leading recipient of ARC Linkage grants in Australia, and the Faculty has a long experience conducting industry linked research. The Faculty has conducted linkage projects with large companies such as CSR limited, and Astra Zeneca as well as smaller companies such as Panbio Ltd and MediHerb.

In addition, for biomedically based research, opportunities exist for industry to collaborate on projects that are funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council Development Grant Scheme.

Many of the Faculty's academic staff have world leading expertise that is available on a consulting basis. The University's technology transfer company, UniQuest Pty Ltd is available to match the needs of external organisations with UQ experts and to co-ordinate the conduct of consulting projects.

The Faculty has the capacity and expertise to undertake contract research ranging from simple testing work to major research projects. We are able to tailor a research program to suit the needs of businesses and efficiently handle intellectual property issues.

As a University Faculty with an outward looking perspective, we recognise the need to create and maintain strong links with industry and government to maximise commercialisation opportunities and to ensure that our activities are relevant and at the leading edge.

The Faculty works closely with the UQ technology transfer company, UniQuest Pty Ltd and is committed to encouraging innovation and commercialisation of research outcomes. In conjunction with UniQuest, the Faculty has a dedicated manager of commercialisation and innovation who is responsible for identifying new intellectual property that has commercial potential and securing industry partners to commercialise it. The manager also plays in important role in educating the Faculty and advising the Dean on intellectual property and commercial issues.

Inventions generated from the Faculty's research are regularly patented and now form a portfolio of 41 patent families. Many of these are the subject of licenses agreements with industry partners or form the basis of spin-off companies. There are ten spin-off companies formed to commercialise intellectual property that was generated in the Faculty. These are listed below:
 

 

 

For further information, contact  the Innovation and Commercial Development Managers DrJames Hallinan j.hallinan@uniquest.com.au (Life Sciences) and Dr Simon Cashion s.cashion@uniquest.com.au (Physical Sciences).

Origo Biotech Pty Ltd is an Australian Plant Biotechnology Company working to create innovative technologies for plant growers and consumers alike.

The technology underpinning Origo Biotech Pty Ltd has been in development by Professor Jimmy Botella in the School of Integrative Biology over the last 5 years. Basic research into the functioning of plant genetics led to the discovery of genes that are responsible for controlling the structure of plants. Manipulation of one of these genes can lead to more branches, more foliage and more flowers in a plant that is more compact in shape. The commercial potential of the technology was recognised and after patenting with the assistance of UniQuest, Origo Biotech Pty Ltd was formed.