The Ateneo de Manila University recognizes the critical role of innovation and entrepreneurship in advancing research and fostering economic development. Innovation has been characterized as occurring at the intersection of (1) technological possibilities, (2) user desirability, and (3) market viability. Within the Ateneo community, a wealth of research and development initiatives continually expands the horizons of what technology can achieve. These endeavors are ideally driven by a commitment to addressing societal needs, thereby naturally aligning outputs with user desires.

However, transitioning technology from possibility to sustained viability in the marketplace demands unwavering dedication, particularly in today's very competitive landscape. Especially for spinoff ventures, a steadfast focus is necessary to enable the spinoff to adeptly navigate market dynamics, carve out competitive advantages, and ultimately achieve enduring sustainability. Having such a focus is not realistic for a faculty member who manages a spinoff venture while also teaching full-time in Ateneo de Manila. This Research and Innovation (R&I) Faculty Grant is intended to be an enabling mechanism.

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PURPOSE

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The Research and Innovation (R&I) Faculty Grant seeks to empower faculty members to channel their expertise and energy into commercializing, through spinoff ventures, the university-owned technologies that they have developed. By reducing their teaching responsibilities, this grant allows faculty members to immerse themselves in the intricate process of technology commercialization.
The essence of this grant lies in facilitating the translation of research discoveries into tangible real-world applications and fostering entrepreneurial endeavors within the university community. Through this initiative, we aim to amplify our university's impact on knowledge dissemination and societal advancement, thereby solidifying the position of the Ateneo de Manila as a catalyst for innovation and progress.

Successful applicants will be able to focus on developing their spinoff company, which includes securing funding, establishing partnerships, navigating regulatory requirements, and facilitating marketing and sales. Additionally, the faculty member’s spinoff venture will be accepted, at no cost, into the Ateneo Blue Nest incubation program. This program provides regular mentoring and various forms of support to help the venture succeed.

Through the Research and Innovation (R&I) Faculty Grant, the Ateneo de Manila University demonstrates its commitment to supporting faculty-led innovation and entrepreneurship. By providing opportunities for faculty members to focus on technology commercialization, the University aims to maximize the societal impact of research discoveries and foster a culture of innovation in the University.

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ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

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1. Applicants for a Research and Innovation (R&I) Faculty Grant must meet the following criteria:

   • Full-time permanent faculty member

   • With a rank of at least Assistant Professor

   • With no administrative load greater than 6 units for each year when the grant is tenable

   • Demonstrated excellence in R&D, evidenced by the development of a technology with high commercialization potential

   • Possesses an entrepreneurial mindset, demonstrated by the setting up of a spinoff venture specifically for the commercialization of said technology mentioned above. 

2. The technology proposed for commercialization must be based on intellectual property owned by the Ateneo de Manila University, which has been licensed out to the faculty applicant’s spinoff company specifically established to commercialize this technology.

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LENGTH OF GRANT PERIOD

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A qualified faculty member is eligible for a minimum appointment of one year as Research and Innovation (R&I) Faculty or a maximum appointment of two years.

 

The period of the grant need not coincide with the start of the academic year in June of the first year and its end in May of the following year or two years later. In all cases, however, the grant will cover a period of twelve months for a one-year appointment or twenty-four months for a two-year appointment.

 

The appointment as R&I Faculty is renewable, contingent upon the successful fulfillment of the expected output.

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WORKLOAD

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The holder of a Research and Innovation (R&I) Faculty grant is expected to dedicate at most 80 percent of their faculty workload to advancing the commercialization of university-licensed technology through their spinoff venture. At least 20 percent of their workload will be allocated to either teaching or administrative duties. If feasible, the R&I Faculty will be provided with a teaching assistant freely provided by the School.

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The holder of a Research and Innovation (R&I) Faculty grant is expected to fulfill the usual duties of faculty members of the Ateneo de Manila University, such as attending department meetings, serving on committees, and participating in the general life of the University community.

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More details can be found in the official guidelines available for download