Innovation activities at the University of Oulu were highly active in 2025!
The year has turned, and it is time to review the results of innovation activities at the University of Oulu. Innovation efforts by the University and its researchers remained active across all areas. This strong level of activity bodes well for the commercialization of research results in the coming years.
The responsibilities of the Innovation Centre include coordinating and developing researchers’ innovation activities. A key element in promoting innovation is meetings with researchers, of which there were approximately 1500 last year as well. In these meetings, we worked together with researchers to advance, for example, invention disclosures, patenting processes, and commercialization initiatives that were in an active phase. We also proactively engage with new researchers and projects to identify emerging inventive ideas and assess their future commercial potential. Our duties also include organizing information sessions and training related to innovation activities; in 2025, we organized a total of 34 such events.
The total number of invention and copyright disclosures has been increasing for several years. Last year, a record total of 73 disclosures were submitted, of which 69 were invention disclosures. Inventions originated from five faculties and two other units. As many as 19 inventions arising from contract research were transferred to the commissioning parties for potential patenting. For the remaining inventions, the University filed patent applications for eight inventions. Seven new patents were granted to the University, representing the first grants of new patent families.
The University of Oulu’s patent portfolio has grown by several patent families annually for nearly ten years. The portfolio now comprises 69 active patent families, each with either a short- or long-term commercialization plan. Last year, the University concluded six commercialization-related agreements, two of which resulted in the University becoming a minority shareholder in a spin-off company. In total, the University holds ownership stakes in six spin-off companies.
The University’s total revenue from the sale and licensing of intangible assets amounted to EUR 326 000. At least 40% of net revenues are paid to inventors. The University also pays inventors an invention reward as well as patenting rewards for both patent applications and granted patents. Last year, inventors received a total of over EUR 122 000 in various rewards.
In addition to inventions themselves, Proof-of-Concept (PoC) funding plays a crucial role in the commercialization of research results. Last year, a total of EUR 300 000 in PoC funding was granted, including EUR 130 000 in support from the City of Oulu. Researchers applied for this EUR 20 000–50 000 funding through 28 applications, of which 13 received funding. The grant was intended for approximately 3–4 months of work, during which, for example, a first prototype or other technical implementation of a research-based idea was to be developed. PoC funding was also granted to two student projects, totaling approximately EUR 10 000. In addition, through the 6GESS NII project, a total of just over EUR 190 000 was awarded to five applicants for use during 2025–2026.
The University currently has around fifteen commercialization projects at various stages aimed at establishing startup companies. Each of these projects is based on research and an ongoing or completed Business Finland Research to Business (R2B) project. During the year, ten R2B applications were submitted, of which three research commercialization teams received positive funding decisions. In addition, the Riitta and Jorma J. Takanen Foundation supported four projects with a total of EUR 115 000. As many as five new research-based companies were established during the past year.
Jouko Uusitalo
Johtaja, Oulun yliopiston Innovaatiokeskus