Event Details - ITEK - The Commercialisation Company of the University of South Australia

UniSA’s technology transfer arm ITEK has delivered an $800,000 dividend to the university, earned from its investment and licensing activities during 2008.

ITEK CEO Graham Smith presented a cheque for the dividend to UniSA Vice Chancellor Peter Hoj, who said the funds would be used to assist further research activities within the University. ITEK’s 2008 dividend brings the company’s total contribution to UniSA during the past five years to nearly $5 million, a powerful performance that distinguishes ITEK as one of the most profitable technology transfer offices in Australia.

A core focus of ITEK is its ability to identify and develop research from the University of South Australia that can contribute to the innovation, vitality and job-building capacity of industry within South Australia and nationally. Mr. Smith said: “ITEK engages with both university researchers and industry executives, to help shape the research effort, to identify industry requirements and to nurture potential investors as we recognise market opportunities”.

During 2008, ITEK generated revenue through a range of activities including investment dividends, royalties from licensing agreements and capital gains from the sale of its investments. As well as revenue from its fully-owned subsidiary GTA, ITEK’s earnings came from the sale of a company it had invested in to a multinational organisation. It also received royalty streams from licensing agreements in the areas of water treatment, water purification and pollution treatment technology.