Technology Transfer and Business Development
Working With Our Partners, Bringing Innovation to Market
Introduction
Born out of a partnership between Western University, Robarts Research Institute and Lawson Health Research Institute (collectively known as the Partners), WORLDiscoveries® draws upon a mix of industry connections, sector-specific market knowledge and business development expertise, to help researchers and local inventors commercialize their discoveries through licensing and new company startups.
WORLDiscoveries operates as a department of Western University.
Want to disclose a new innovation to our office? See Our Process page. You can also check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us today.
We look forward to working with you.



Our Process
Strategically, we follow a 6-step process in turning your innovations into profitable consumer-ready products:
01 Disclosure
The first step of our commercialization process is to submit a Report of Innovation (ROI)…
02 Assessment
Our team quickly assesses the strength of its market potential and considers a strategy for intellectual property protection…
03 Protection
To successfully deliver your innovation to the market, we are committed to directing approved innovations to companies…
04 Marketing
We combine your leading-edge discovery with our skills, experience and knowledge to turn your research into a marketable product…
05 Agreements
We are focused on a beneficial working relationship and will legally represent your innovation…
06 Compliance
Executing an agreement is only the first step…
Our Programs
Western Medical Innovation Fellowship
Working with researchers, clinicians and technology transfer offices to generate new intellectual property.
WE-Empower
A mentorship program for women and underrepresented researchers covering commercialization, intellectual property and entrepreneurship.
Proteus Innovation Competition
A competition that challenges individuals to create a viable commercialization strategy for promising technologies coming out of Southwestern Ontario.
Innovation Ambassadors
A cross-campus group of faculty who share ideas, guidance, understanding, expertise, and insight into entrepreneurship unique to Western.
IP Strategy Boot Camp
A series of six 90-minute sessions that cover various topics related to the management and commercialization of intellectual property rights.
Graduate Student Innovation Scholars
Endorsing personal entrepreneurship, continued career growth and expansion, work ethic and business accomplishments.
Vanguard Awards
An annual WORLDiscoveries awards ceremony recognizing local researchers, who have achieved various market-readiness milestones.
WORLDiscoveries Asia
WORLDiscoveries Asia was established in 2011 in response to the changing global economy and to build upon strong ties between Western University researchers and Asian institutions.
Our goal is to enhance Western University’s profile and the level of engagement in the area of research collaboration and technology commercialization in the region.
WD Asia is the link between Canada and Asia for international science collaboration and technology commercialization.
Quick Facts
Disclosures
Patents
Licenses Executed
Active Licenses
Active Spin-off Companies
Direct to Market Sales
(fiscal year 2022)
Startups and Products
Startup Showcase
A list of various startups that were founded with consultation from WORLDiscoveries utilizing technologies developed at our partner institutions.
Direct-to-Market Products
The WORLDiscoveries market has several consumer ready products meeting a variety of needs in healthcare and education.
Latest News
Events
No events are currently scheduled.