Aalborg University - AAU (DK)



Aalborg University (AAU) was inaugurated in 1974. Aalborg University differentiates itself from other Danish universities with its focus on interdisciplinary, inter-faculty studies in an experimental curriculum and a pedagogical structure based on problem-centred, real-life projects of educational and research relevance. This approach internationally has become known and recognized as ‘The Aalborg Experiment’ or ‘The Aalborg Model’. Furthermore, Aalborg University also greatly emphasizes international relations and cooperation and has over the years gained much experience in this field, both scientific and managerial (for instance AAU coordinates two FP6 Integrated Projects). Almost 14,000 students are enrolled at Aalborg University, from students at preparatory courses to doctoral-level candidates.

At AAU the technology transfer activities are mainly carried out via two central offices, the Technology Transfer Office (TTO-AAU) and the Knowledge Exchange Office (NVC).

The TTO-AAU with a staff of 8 has existed as a joint unit for a period of 3 years, The office’s field of activity is on one hand the commercialisation and safeguarding of the inventions made by the researchers employed by AAU. The tasks of commercialisation consists of making the decision whether AAU should take over the invention or not, applying for protection of the inventions, searching for a potential market, contacting potential buyers, the drafting and potential negotiation of licensing or transfer agreements or the establishment of spin-out companies. On the other hand the office is also engaged in the negotiation and control of all collaboration agreements entered into by AAU. TTO-AAU has so far handled an increasing average of 40 invention disclosures, 1-2 spin-out companies and 400 collaboration agreements a year.

NVC was formed in 1996 to establish non-commercial knowledge transfer activities. These primarily take the form of networks between university researchers and people from industry. As a derived activity a new initiative was launched four years ago when NVC started focussing on establishing entrepreneurship activities for students and graduates. The activities include courses and seminars, experienced mentors, counselling and help with business development and a large number of other initiatives.