Technology Transfer Hub

An essential part of UKAEA’s mission is to maximise the scientific and socioeconomic benefit from research at UKAEA, to demonstrate the near-term benefits of the fusion R&D programme. Technology transfer plays a critical role in delivering these benefits. UKAEA has set up the Technology Transfer Hub (TTH) to identify opportunities for technology transfer into the wider fusion market and other sectors, and to drive the commercialisation of fusion-related technologies and knowhow for the benefit of the UK economy. The TTH is also tasked with developing novel concepts &/or capabilities to a degree where they could be commercialised through existing industry (e.g. licensing agreements, joint ventures) or spinout initiatives. The capabilities within, and technologies emerging from, the fusion R&D programme cover a very wide range of areas including, but not limited to, novel materials, software, robotics, manufacturing, hydrogen isotope, magnet, plasma, sensors and diagnostics, radioactive waste management, thermal management (incl. liquid metal and molten salt-based technologies), electricity generation and microwave-related technologies. These technologies and related capabilities are anticipated to be potentially relevant to sectors such as Space, Civil Nuclear, Quantum, Healthcare, Aerospace, Advanced Computing, Hydrogen Economy, Oil & Gas, Defence, Transport, Energy, Scientific Research and many more. This PIN will inform the TTH procurement strategies and help identify expertise that could work alongside the TTH. Some activities anticipated to support technology commercialisation and development efforts include: • Validating whether a capability or technology (of varying maturity) is relevant to a specific sector(s), e.g. does it address a gap or challenge in a specific sector. • Conducting an assessment of market(s) where a given capability or technology (of varying maturity) is relevant, optioneering to identify the market to target/prioritise and develop a go-to-market strategy. • Horizon scanning to develop an understanding of adjacent sectors. • Identifying potential customers, collaborators and/or partners to facilitate technology development and transfer. • Providing advice on commercialising a given capability/technology within a particular sector • Supporting spinout initiatives – identifying initial costs, the target customer base for the business, marketing strategy, a review of the competition, and projections of revenues and expenses. • Carrying out activities to validate a novel technology against requirements from a chosen field of application: o Small-scale build of prototypes and demonstrators. o Running simulations where they are more cost-effective but also produce results that facilitate exploitation of a technology, such as a software platform. Additional information: UKAEA invites initial expressions of interest from science, technology and engineering firms, consultancy groups, Academia, Research organisations, Catapults. We may also send out an RFI during the duration of this PIN for further clarity. The chosen procurement strategy will seek to compliment ongoing UKAEA ‘procurement routes/frameworks’