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The Deal Readiness Toolkit is designed to streamline and standardise the research commercialisation process, making it faster and more efficient for everyone involved.
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Whether you're an academic, a technology transfer professional from any UK university, a lawyer, or an investor, the Toolkit provides a clear, structured pathway to spinning out or licensing research and investing in or securing investment.
With a comprehensive collection of how-to guides, standardised legal templates, and checklists, the Toolkit helps eliminate unnecessary negotiations, accelerate the deal-making process, and improve outcomes.
The Toolkit was funded by Research England and developed by the SETsquared Partnership, an enterprise partnership of six leading universities: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey. Together, these universities have launched 200+ spin-outs, and SETsquared has built a world-class reputation for supporting deep-tech start-ups in securing investment.
Where we fit in the Innovation Pathway
The diagram shows the high-level pathway that is needed to transform an initial idea into a product that achieves commercial success. While the process is often depicted in stages, it’s rarely a straightforward, linear journey. Some innovations remain in the ideation phase for years before advancing to invention or development, while others move rapidly through the stages. Each journey is unique, shaped by various factors such as market readiness, funding, and technological breakthroughs. The Deal Readiness Toolkit is designed to support you after the key decision has been made to either spin-out a company or license intellectual property (IP). It provides the essential resources to help navigate this critical stage efficiently and effectively.Swipe graphic to see pathway
The Pathways
The Deal Readiness Toolkit supports two different commercialisation pathways: Licensing and Spin-out creation.
The University of Manchester Innovation Factory have created a useful video explaining which pathway may be right for you. Click here to watch the video.
LICENCE PATHWAY
Licensing an invention allows an existing company to use it for a specific purpose as outlined in a licence agreement. In this arrangement, the University retains IP ownership while both the University and the inventors share in the agreed benefits — whether financial or otherwise. Choose this pathway
SPIN-OUT PATHWAY
A spin-out is formed by registering a new company that licences intellectual property (IP) generated by university-based research. The process begins when an academic discloses an invention to the University’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO), followed by negotiations to establish the IP licence terms. Choose this pathwayResources
Explore our ‘how-to’ guides and legal agreement resources to streamline spin-out company formation, help find investment and optimise licensing transactions.
PLAYBOOKS
How to guides explaining the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of the commercial deal, ensuring an efficient process. View Playbooks
TEMPLATES
A suite of lawyer-reviewed, legal Templates for everyone in the commercial deal to use. View Templates