The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) falls under the Department of Research and Partnerships and consists of the Intellectual Property and Business Development units. BITRI facilitates the commercialisation of its invented technologies through the effective implementation of the BITRI Institutional Intellectual Property Policy and the Innovation Management Framework.
Technology Transfer involves the movement of technology from its creator (BITRI) to an end user (members of the public), particularly in the form of products and services.
Commercialisation is the process through which a new product or innovation is introduced into the market.
Technology Transfer and Commercialisation Mechanisms
BITRI has adopted the following mechanisms to transfer and commercialise its technologies:
Licensing
Licensing is whereby BITRI, as the owner of a technology, grants another entity permission to make, sell, use, import, and/or offer the technology for sale under agreed written terms and conditions.
- BITRI retains ownership of the technology
- Fair royalties support further research and development
- Preference for non-exclusive licenses
- Priority given to local SMEs and companies
Assignment
Assignment constitutes the sale of a technology to another party to manufacture or produce it at commercial scale and sell it to end users.
- Ownership is transferred from BITRI to the buyer
- Buyer assumes full commercial responsibility
- Technology deployed at market scale
Spin-offs & Start-up Companies
BITRI may establish spin-off or start-up companies where no suitable venture capitalists exist to take up technologies through licensing or assignment.
- BITRI-led commercialisation initiatives
- Investor participation encouraged
- Joint ventures with private sector partners
Intellectual Property Rights
All BITRI technologies made available for licensing or assignment are protected through appropriate intellectual property rights. These rights provide the licensee, assignee, start-up or spin-off company exclusive rights to make and sell the technology for a limited period.
Common intellectual property rights include patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and copyright. The exclusivity granted enables partners to recover investment costs, grow their ventures, and make fair profits.
Accreditation
Before licensing or assignment, all BITRI technologies undergo accreditation with the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) to establish fitness for purpose and compliance with national standards.