Introduction to Isis

Isis Innovation Ltd is the University of Oxford’s wholly owned technology transfer company.  Isis was established in 1988 and in 1997 started a major expansion phase. Isis manages the University’s intellectual property portfolio, working with University researchers on identifying, protecting and marketing technologies through licensing, spin-out company formation, consulting and material sales.

Isis provides researchers with commercial advice, funds patent applications and legal costs, negotiates exploitation and spin-out company agreements, and identifies and manages consultancy opportunities. Isis works on projects from all areas of the University's research activities: life sciences, physical sciences, social sciences and humanities.

Patents & Licensing Isis files, on average, one patent application each week and manages over 400 patent application families and 200 licence agreements.  Isis licenses technologies to companies who invest in developing and selling products in a timely and ethical manner.  Licensees are sought from all technology and business sectors on an international basis.

Creating New Companies Isis has assisted in the formation of more than 60 University spin-out companies since 1997, generating significant value in equity holdings for the University of Oxford. Isis works with University researchers to develop new business opportunities, identifying and sourcing investment, management and professional services.

Consulting Oxford University Consulting (OUC) offers access to the expert knowledge of University researchers and departmental services within the University. OUC is part of Isis, providing a professional service dedicated to finding cost effective solutions to consultancy needs.  Areas of expertise include problem solving, data analysis, expert evaluation, due diligence, management and business development.  OUC’s activities meet the ISO 9001 quality assurance standard.

Material Sales Isis manages the negotiation of sales agreements for biological and physical science materials developed within the University.

The Oxford Innovation Society, founded in 1990, enables industrial companies to benefit from Isis’ activities by having a ‘window’ on Oxford science.  Members enjoy advance notification of all patent applications marketed by Isis, a regular newsletter, customised benefits, including seminars and needs analysis, and attend meetings and dinners, which provide a unique environment for constructive interaction between business leaders, investors and top University scientists.

The Isis Angels Network introduces private investors and seed/venture capitalists interested in investing in spin-out companies from the University of Oxford to investment opportunities.  IAN is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, established by Isis in 1999.  Members of IAN may also be interested in serving as non-executive directors, nominated by the University, on the boards of the new spin-out companies.

Isis has strong University links with all the parts of the University involved in technology commercialisation and enterprise. These include Research Services; Begbroke Science Park; Oxford Science Enterprise Centre; and Entrepreneurship Said at the Saïd Business School.

Isis Enterprise is a division of Isis, offering consulting expertise and advice in technology transfer, based upon Isis Innovation Ltd’s success as Oxford University’s technology transfer company.  Isis Enterprise helps universities, research organisations and governments develop their technology transfer activities.