Singapore, 11 May 2009 – The Technology Transfer Network (TTN) announced today that its Founding Members will leverage the jointly developed IP Cluster Maps to maximise the potential of translational R&D work that can be funded under the National Research Foundation (NRF) Translational R&D Grants for Polytechnics, one of the initiatives under the National Framework for Innovation and Enterprise. NRF did an Open Grant Call this afternoon at Nanyang Polytechnic.

The TTN, established in February 2008 by eight Founding Members, is a collaborative alliance of technology transfer offices set up to enhance the effectiveness of technology transfer to industry. The core activities of the TTN include IP cluster mapping, training and certification of TTO professionals, joint marketing and events, technology advisory services, industry collaboration, and regular dialogue and sharing of best practices. The eight Founding Members that have contributed to development of the IP Maps include A*STAR Exploit Technologies, Nanyang Polytechnic, Nanyang Technopreneurship Centre, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Management University, Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic.

As part of the drive to accelerate translation R&D efforts in research areas of common interests, the Founding Members have over the last year worked together to map out IP Clusters comprising IP Portfolios of the TTN members. These clusters are developed based on their relevance and impact to the industry, as well as to complement the extensive work already underway in each of the Founding Members’ research teams. Through the IP Cluster mapping process, the TTN members are constantly exploring opportunities of collaboration and tapping on synergy in complementary R&D work done.

With the Open Grant Call made by NRF today to fund polytechnics that engage in translation R&D work, the TTN Founding Members are committed to utilise the IP Cluster maps to identify relevant R&D areas that will be good candidates for the competitive fund.

Mr Boon Swan Foo, Executive Chairman of Exploit Technologies and the Chairman of the Technology Transfer Network said, “In the wake of today’s bleak economic outlook, smart investment dollars are flowing into countries and organisations with a strong focus on commercialisation and innovation. The joint efforts by TTN Founding Members in IP Cluster mapping and in working together to develop translational R&D projects with the market in mind is commendable. This move to leverage the TTN IP Cluster maps cannot be more timely; given that Singapore is stepping up on its efforts to help local companies leverage technologies and remain competitive in turbulent times.”

Mr Edward Ho, Dy Principal/Development, Nanyang Polytechnic said, “NYP is happy to contribute to this effort on IP cluster mapping as it offer the chance for the various IHLs to now aggregate their capabilities and core competencies in a productive and concerted manner towards IP commercialization. We are confident that this effort will result in optimum utilization of resources, know-how and experience.”

Sharing his views on the collaboration, Associate Professor Tan Teng Kee, Director of the Nanyang Technopreneurship Center, NTU, said, “Intellectual property cluster mapping is a worthwhile initiative to help bridge the various TTN Founding Members’ R&D efforts. The new relationships forged will also strengthen the effectiveness of technology commercialisation and thereby contribute towards realising the vision of TTN.”

Mr Foo See Meng, Deputy Principal, Ngee Ann Polytechnic said, “IP clusters are important drivers for the competitiveness of Singapore’s innovation and enterprise development. They will facilitate project collaborations among institutions beyond their own strengths and come up jointly with the best expertise available for the work”

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr Yeo Li Pheow, Principal/CEO, Republic Polytechnic said, “The IP Cluster Mapping Initiative provides an excellent platform for the polytechnics, universities and research institutions to pool and leverage on the valuable IP and know-how developed within each institute to develop products and applications with greater impact than what could be achieved if the institutes were to work alone.”

Practice Professor Desai Arcot Narasimhalu, Director of SMU Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Practice Professor, School of Information Systems, SMU said “SMU is very pleased with the progress in IP cluster mapping exercise.  This is a good beginning towards building compelling business innovations using IP residing across different founding and other members of TTN.  The logical next step is to identify one or two business innovation development projects using IP from a few members to realize the value from the results of the IP cluster mapping exercise. SMU has developed a method for monetizing technology innovations and would be pleased to share this know how with the members of TTN.  Another important next step is to develop a commonly agreed upon formula for sharing the revenues from business innovations developed using IP from different members.  Such a formula is crucial for building on the success of the IP cluster mapping exercise.”

Mr Tan Hang Cheong, Principal, Singapore Polytechnic said, “TTN will play an important role in the R&D landscape in Singapore. SP is delighted to be one of the founding members of the TTN, comprising A*Star, the universities and polytechnics. The sharing of IP Cluster Maps among the institutions will further strengthen the existing partnerships between these institutions. This initiative will lead to greater collaborations among researchers across institutions and SP is looking forward to work with them to translate our achievements in research to the market place.”

Mr Boo Kheng Hua, Principal and CEO, Temasek Polytechnic said, “Temasek Polytechnic sees the TTN IP Cluster Mapping Initiative as an opportunity to enhance the development of its IP management portfolio and technology transfer procedures, thereby maximizing the commercialization potential of its IP assets.  We are looking forward to working closely with all members in carrying out R&D for the benefit of our community”.

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