Highlights from the 4th Edition of the Research to Impact Competition

On February 3, Nile University (NU) buzzed with entrepreneurial energy as the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office (IPTTO) hosted the fourth edition of the Research to Impact competition. Held in collaboration with the Research Office’s Postgraduate Research Forum, the event underscored a vital mission: bridging the gap between academic brilliance and real-world application.

The IPTTO continues to champion NU’s commitment to transforming intellectual output into tangible economic value and profound societal impact.

A Vision for Impactful Research

The event opened with an inspiring address by Dr. Ahmed Radwan, VP for Research, who set the stage for a day dedicated to innovation. The keynote sessions provided deep insights into the strategic importance of IP:

Economic Growth: Dr. Yasser Gaddallah, Professor of Economics and Dean of the National Institute of Intellectual Property (NIIP), delivered a compelling talk on how IP rights act as a catalyst for national economic development.
The Path to Market : Dr. Alaa Eldin Adris, Professor of MOT and IPTTO Advisor, shared a roadmap titled "From Lab to Market: Licensing Structures for Continuity, Growth, and Hope," outlining how researchers can ensure their work survives and thrives beyond the laboratory.
The IPTTO Mission: Dr. Hebatalla Kaoud, Director of the IPTTO, showcased the office’s recent achievements and provided essential pitching tips to the nervous yet excited competitors, emphasizing that the IPTTO is a partner in every step of the commercialization journey.

Strategic Partnerships and Industry Support

A highlight of the event was the participation of UTPS, the official sponsor of this edition. Mr. Mohamed Adel, Country Manager and Head of Patents at UTPS, discussed the firm’s pivotal role in fostering innovation within research institutions, bridging the divide between corporate expertise and academic discovery.

The Competition: Pitching Innovation

The jury for the fourth edition featured a powerhouse of expertise, including:

Eng. Ahmed Tarek Khalil: Visionary investor and serial entrepreneur (widely known from The Shark Tank).
Dr. Hebatalla Kaoud: Director of the IPTTO.
Dr. Mohamed Samir: Expert in Data and AI Monetization.

The competition saw a diverse group of researchers pitching innovative projects that tackled modern challenges with unique, high-tech solutions. The jury expressed high praise for the caliber of research and the professional delivery of the pitches.

Celebrating the Winners

After intense deliberation, the jury selected three winning teams who demonstrated the highest potential for market success. The awards reflect a comprehensive support system for the winners:

Financial Prizes: Provided by UTPS, offering cash support to help teams advance their innovative work.
IP Protection Strategy: An in-kind award from the IPTTO to ensure the researchers' intellectual assets are legally secured.
Technology Roadmapping: Specialized guidance from the IPTTO to plot the technical evolution of the project.
Commercialization Support: Expert mentorship from the IPTTO to help transition the research from a prototype into a viable business or licensed technology.

"Our goal is not just to celebrate research, but to ensure that every intellectual output at Nile University has a clear path to becoming a product or service that benefits society." — Dr. Hebatalla Kaoud