Dear clients, colleagues and supporters of WORLDiscoveries,
More than any previous year, we made the strategic decision to expand our influence beyond our core business of commercializing technologies developed at London’s research institutions.
Sure, we still signed an organization-best 27 licenses/options – compared to 16 the year previous – and increased the percentage of technologies licensed from our portfolio by 10 per cent. More importantly, though, we had the insight to fortify the innovation pipeline for long-term success. The technologies themselves are, of course, only one piece of the puzzle.
In particular, we focused on identifying and training faculty, students and clinicians who have an interest in bringing ideas to market. As examples, we engaged the community in the inaugural Proteus Innovation Competition, enjoyed a successful first year of the Medical Innovation Fellowships program and, due to high demand, hosted several prior art training workshops.
We are helping create our future innovation leaders, champions and mentors.
At the same time, we took steps to improve our immediate deal flow, facilitating opportunities so no technologies collected dust on a shelf. Our team ensures each is provided the focus, resources and commercial expertise to determine their success in the marketplace.
These initiatives play a critical role in getting innovators into the pipeline sooner and equipping them with the skills to be successful. We are committed to working with partners across the city to continue to foster a culture of commercialization, entrepreneurship and measured risk-taking in London.
The benefits, however, will be felt well beyond the city’s borders.
Thank you for continuing to support and partner with us.
Lisa Cechetto
Executive Director
