UNIK@TT Project

The UNIK@TT project is a collaborative initiative established by Slovenia's three public universities—University of Ljubljana (consortium leader), University of Maribor, and University of Primorska. This Consortium is committed to enhancing the transfer of scientific knowledge and innovations from academic institutions to the economy and broader society, while also strengthening the role of universities within both Slovenian and global innovation ecosystems. In parallel, there is a complementary consortium of public research organizations called KTO3, led by the Jožef Stefan Institute.

Both consortia were formed in response to a Public call for support of knowledge transfer offices (KTO), issued by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation. The call, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, provides a total of €4.3 million until early 2029, with up to €2.15 million allocated for each consortium. The initiative aims to establish and enhance KTOs across Slovenian public research organizations, focusing on strengthening collaboration and knowledge exchange within and beyond the consortia, addressing the specific needs of universities and research institutes in the transfer of knowledge, particularly in the areas of intellectual property protection and commercialization.

Key objectives of both consortia include the development of standardized contracts, such as licensing agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and business cooperation contracts, to facilitate and accelerate collaborations. Additionally, both projects aim to empower the exchange of knowledge and experience, and to professionalize technology transfer professionals by equipping them with various tools and training. Another important goal is to develop metrics and indicators for assessing the effectiveness of knowledge transfer, and to establish a unified online platform that serves as a central access point for all public research organizations.

Supported by the Slovenian government and the European Union, both the UNIK@TT and KTO3 consortia seek to increase the number of patent applications and strengthen partnerships with Slovenian companies. Ultimately, these projects aspire to cultivate a more dynamic and effective innovation ecosystem, guided by clear principles and a commitment to long-term societal benefits, while also highlighting both social and technical innovations.

 

                    

MIC 2025