The Innovation Office – where the idea journey begins

The Innovation Office, part of Örebro University Holding AB, is a key component of the university’s innovation ecosystem.

A researcher’s or teacher’s role involves much more than research and teaching. Making research results accessible has always been an important task, traditionally through publications and education. Today, an increasingly important part also involves innovation and the utilisation of research results.

The aim of the Innovation Office is to ensure that innovative ideas and research results from students, researchers and staff at the university benefit society. This includes commercialisation, social innovation and social entrepreneurship, management of intellectual property, and different forms of collaboration.

Örebro University is part of the Innovation Office Fyrklövern collaboration.

I have an idea – how should I formulate it before contacting the Innovation Office?
There are no formal requirements. You can even tell us verbally or show us a rough sketch on a napkin. However you share your idea, you can trust that we work under confidentiality.

How far do I need to have developed my idea before getting in touch?
It is never too early to contact us. We are happy to be your first sounding board when an idea emerges.

Does my idea need to be commercialisable?
Utilisation means that knowledge and ideas that can improve or streamline activities are brought from academia into society in some form. Commercialisation is not the only path. At the same time, it is worth noting that ideas aimed at the public sector can also be implemented through commercialisation. Pharmaceuticals, new technologies and methods are often developed outside the public sector, and the route to application is through commercialisation, where municipalities, government and regions are part of the market.

I want my idea to become a product or service, but I do not want to run a company. What should I do?
You do not have to be the one building the company. Örebro University Holding AB can help explore ways to take your idea forward – either by forming a new company or by connecting your idea with an existing company or organisation.

What is expected from me if the Innovation Office supports my idea?
You, as a student, researcher or employee, provide the idea and its background. Some choose to lead the entire process towards implementation, while others prefer a role as a scientific advisor. Regardless, you need to clarify how much time you can dedicate and your level of commitment. Together, we decide on the most effective path forward – whether that is transferring the idea to an existing organisation or starting a new company. Along the way, activities such as market analysis, intellectual property protection, competitor analysis and business modelling are developed.

If I want to start a company based on my idea, how can you help?
The Innovation Office helps lay the foundation for a future company by providing advice and coaching on business development, intellectual property, agreements, financing and organisation. We can also guide you to additional support tailored to your idea.

Map by MazeMap