FAQ - Answer - ITEK - The Commercialisation Company of the University of South Australia

Frequent Questions

Who owns ITEK and what does ITEK do?

ITEK Pty Ltd is the technology commercialisation company of the University of South Australia.  

Our aim is to create long-term value through the licensing of intellectual property (IP) and the creation of spin-out companies from research conducted at the University. 

ITEK's role is to:

• Identify and support key research capabilities within Uni SA with the potential to create commercialisable IP
• Encourage UniSA researchers and staff to disclose IP created in their work
• Assess the IP disclosed for its commercial potential
• Decide on the protection strategy for commercialisable IP
• Determine the best pathway to commercialisation and manage the implementation
• Secure funding sources to support commercialisation efforts
• Manage the on-going development, risk and protection of ITEK's portfolio

Why should I commercialise outcomes of my research?

Successful commercialisation may:

• Protect and register inventorship in your name.
  
• Provide financial benefits for you and your research area.
  
• Attracts funding for further research.
  
• Strengthen your reputation in your field of research.
  
• Take the University's know-how to the world.

What is intellectual property (IP)?

Intellectual Property (IP) is the result of an individual or group's intellectual endeavours and is often capable of being protected by legal rights. These rights may be in the form of patents, copyright, designs, confidential information, trademarks, circuit layout or plant breeders rights.

Your ideas, inventions, experimentation records, observations and work details can be recorded systematically and professionally by using a Laboratory Notebook supplied by ITEK. For a copy of this notebook please complete this form and forward to:

Yvette Elson
Accountant & Office Administrator
ITEK Pty Ltd
Mawson Lakes Campus
Building P1-48
fax: 08 8302 5301
email:  yvette.elson@itek.com.au

or alternatively you can collect one from ITEK. We are located in the P Building at Mawson Lakes Campus.

Download Location Map

What is the UniSA Policy on IP?

To access the University Policy on IP please click here

Click here to view a PDF version of the University Policy.

What should I do if I think the outcomes of my research have some commercial potential?

Contact ITEK as soon as possible.

Complete an IP Disclosure form and forward to:

Masako Amemiya
Commercial Associate or
ITEK Pty Ltd
Ground Floor, Building GP, Rm 15
UniSA - Mawson Lakes Campus
Mawson Lakes SA 5095

Fax: 08 8302 5301

Email: info@itek.com.au

Does ITEK charge for Commercialisation?

There are no upfront fees for the commercialisation services provided by ITEK. The company will appoint a Commercial Manager to determine the best path to commercialisation and will also meet the initial costs of IP protection, market assessment, legal services and proof of concept/prototype development.

When should I disclose Research Outcomes to ITEK?

You should disclose your research discovery or invention as soon as it is clearly conceptualised, and before you submit any abstracts or manuscripts for publication. These abstracts, posters, seminar presentations, Internet publications of funded grants, or even an article in a local newspaper may constitute a public disclosure and prevent the issue of a patent.

It is never too early to call ITEK.

What does ITEK do after I tell them about my research?

ITEK will allocate a Project Manager to perform a preliminary evaluation of your research with the aim of identifying commercial potential. 

Commercialisation opportunities are managed through a staged process of development that sees increasing levels of resource committed as the commercialisation opportunity is firmed up and risk is reduced.  

ITEK's Project Managers provide a wealth of experience in start-up companies and the commercialisation of new technologies and innovations. Our range of skills and commercialisation processes meet the specific needs of enterprises in their critical early stages, providing improved chances of success and ensuring that no crucial business factors are overlooked.