University Research
and Commercialization
Prof. Malik Ranasinghe
Vice-Chancellor
University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
Structure of the Presentation
• Present situation - Industry
and University Views
• Research in Universities and
Issues
• Successes and Missed
Opportunities at the UoM
• Interventions & Way Forward
Present Situation
Focus of Higher Education and
the Universities today is to
produce quality Graduates who
are employable productive
leaders and good citizens.
Mission of the UoM
is to produce a
“World Class”
Graduate
Industry’s View
Universities do not
understand the requirements
of the Employers’ in terms of
attitudes, skills and
knowledge of the Graduates.
Industry’s View
Employer Requirements
1. Academically sound and
technically competent graduate
2. Soft skills, English and ICT literate
3. Team player who is flexible
4. Confident with proper attitudes
5. Positive outlook / market friendly
6. Being able to perform from day one
University’s Challenge
Typical Student
• Intelligent and eager to Learn
• Competitive and Self-Centered
• Diverse backgrounds/competencies
• Insufficient knowledge in English
and ICT, lacking social skills
University’s View
Industry does not
understand the capabilities
of graduates, and does not
train or support them to
become effective employees.
Overcoming Challenge
When the Industry and the
University work together
University Industry Interactions
• Student Based Opportunities
• Consultancy and Service
Based Opportunities
• R & D Based Opportunities
University Industry Interactions
Consultancy Based Opportunities
1. Individual / Team
Consultancy
2. Contract Research
3. University Consultancy
Company
University Industry Interactions
Research & Development
1. Staff / Student Research
Projects
2. Innovations and Inventions
– IP Policy
3. Industry Sponsored
R&D Centers
Research in Universities
PhDs in 2008, 09 & 10 No.
U of Sri Jayawardenapura 27
U of Colombo
17
U of Peradeniya
16
U of Kelaniya
16
U of Moratuwa
12
U of Ruhuna
05
Open University
02
S&T
15
13
05
05
12
03
02
Research in PG Institutes
PhDs in 2008, 09 & 10 No.
Buddhist & Pali Studies
17
Agriculture
13
Science
13
NI Library and Inform. Sci. 07
Archaeology
06
IBMBB
04
Management
02
S&T
13
13
04
02
Research in Universities
Issues
1. There is no dedicated funding
for Research in Universities.
• Priority of HE in Sri Lanka is to
increase the number of graduates.
• Good to have research in
Universities but not essential
– at UoM 2% of the recurrent grant.
Issues
2. University Research is not
ready for Commercialization.
• Objective is to find something new
that is publishable / obtain patent.
• Commercialization requires:
• Proof of Concept
• Prototype
University
Research
Incubator
• Business Plan
• Venture Capital / Angel Fund
Issues
3. Universities lack Incubators.
• Legally not permitted – Cannot take
a loss.
• Incubation requires:
• Seed funds and support without
a guarantee of success
• Legal mechanism for Ownership
4. Lack Venture Capital / Angel
Funds.
Success Stories
Bio diesel process and testing
Polipto Pilot Plant
Cost competitive
Microwave active Natural Rubber Flooring
coloured EPDM
extruded profile
Before
After
DSI High
cost tile
UoM Low
cost tile
Success Stories
M-Token Platform
Reservation
Web Application
mToken
Platform
mToken
DB
User
Web Brower
Handset
(with/with
out NFC)
Smart Poster
with NFC Tag
POS Terminal
mToken Server
Movie Theater
Lost Opportunities
Universal Grain
Moisture Meter
Aqua Cube – Gold at Mondialogo Awards 2009
Sonar
Navigation
Aid for the
Visually
Impaired
Kit to treat
Elephantitis
Patient Warmer
Lost Opportunities
Stand-alone
ECG
Abnormality
Detector
Wireless Intercom
Kalu Dodol
Reactor
Universal
Vehicle
Diagnosis
Analyzer
Navigating
robot for
exploration
and
surveillance
Traffic
controller
for
Railways
Lost Opportunities
TEA PLUCKER IN
OPERATION
WEED
REMOVER
COCONUT
DE-HUSKING
MACHINE
Remotely Controlled
Ploughing Machine
Interventions
Short Term – next 2 to 5 years
• Provide monetary incentives for
University staff for Research.
• Set up Research Incubators in
every University using Inventors
Commission and sustain them.
• Set up Venture Capital / Angel
Funds to help Commercialization
Interventions
Long Term – next 10 to 15 years
• State to allocate funds for R&D
with commercial potential.
• Provide monetary incentives for
researchers and reward those
who commercialize research.
• Provide incentives for private
sector to fund and be involved
in R&D and commercialization.
Way Forward
• University and Industry must
work together to produce, an
employable graduate & research
that create useful knowledge.
• University has the students for
04 years while Graduates are
Industry’s main resource for the
next 30 to 35 years.
Way Forward
• Set up Research Incubators in
Universities which will provide
the motivation and essential
link to commercialize University
research.
• The vacuum that exist between
University research and
commercialization should be
owned and filled by the MoTR.