On November 2nd, 2023, the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, UK hosted the highly anticipated TechOceanS Workshop on IP Management and Commercialisation. Held in conjunction with the project’s Executive Board meeting, this workshop brought together researchers, early career professionals, and key stakeholders from across Europe to explore the intricacies of intellectual property (IP) management and the commercialisation of research.

The in-person event was well attended, while online participation via Zoom ensured that everyone interested could benefit from the workshop's rich content.

The workshop was tailored specifically for researchers involved in Horizon Europe projects, with the aim of deepening their understanding of the benefits of commercialising research outcomes. Attendees were guided through the complex landscape of IP considerations, both for commercial and non-commercial exploitation plans, with a strong emphasis on managing IP during and after projects. The event provided practical advice on how to value research and successfully bring innovations to market.

Key highlights of the workshop included:

• Commercialisation Overview: Lindsay Smith and Phil Bishop delivered a comprehensive introduction to the commercialisation process, shedding light on the importance of IP in research and its potential to drive innovation.
• Expert Insights: Guest speakers from Barker Brettell Patent Attorneys, Nick Braddon and Jon Myers, provided in-depth talks on the legal aspects of IP management, offering valuable perspectives on protecting and leveraging intellectual property.
• Fireside Chat: A dynamic discussion between company representatives and researchers who have successfully navigated the commercialisation journey provided attendees with real-world examples and strategies.
• IP Clinic: The workshop concluded with an IP clinic, where participants had the opportunity to engage in 1:1 consultations with IP and commercialisation experts, discussing their specific projects and receiving tailored advice.

The workshop’s primary objective was to demystify the IP ecosystem and the commercialisation process, ensuring that attendees left with a clear understanding of the steps required to protect and commercialise their innovations. Moreover, the event fostered connections between researchers and key contacts who can offer ongoing support as they move forward in their careers.

The success of this workshop underscores the importance of such initiatives in empowering researchers to maximise the impact of their work through effective IP management and commercialisation. TechOceanS continues to support and advance the capabilities of the research community, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs reach their full potential in the marketplace.