Participation in the UCBP
Business and Technology University participated in the University Capacity Building Program (UCBP). The goal of the program was to develop entrepreneurial culture in higher educational institutions of Georgia, promote the process of commercialization of technologies, connect research results with industry and strengthen cooperation between universities, business and government structures. UCBP was administered by the American Council on International Education and financially supported by the US Embassy in Georgia. UCBP was delivered in several phases and included active communication with US as well as Georgian higher education institutions.
As part of the program, BTU has developed its vision on launching technology transfer (TT) processes – disseminating knowledge among Georgia’s academic community and creating awareness on TT models and opportunities. Number of knowledge exchange activities and discussions took place at BTU focusing on transferring knowledge into economic opportunities.
Cooperation with NCURA
The US National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) was founded in 1959 and unites 7,500 members from more than 1,100 educational organizations in 40 countries. The Council is actively involved in communication and knowledge sharing among research administrators, both in the US and abroad. The purpose of NCURA is to assist all members of the organization in the administration and management of research and to promote their expertise in this area.
One of the key outcomes of BTU’s engagement within UCBP is enhanced cooperation and dialogue with research and innovation focused institutions and associations. BTU expanded its outreach and international cooperation network: the university became a member ENRICH GLOBAL – an international consortium towards a better and stronger academic cooperation. This allowed BTU to learn from the consortium member institutions, engage in open calls and express interest of participation in international calls for proposals.
BTU launched cooperation with National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) and co-organized several seminars on research administration, technology transfer processes, US funding institutions etc. In November 2022, NCURA’s Director of Global Initiatives, Ms. Claire Chen visited BTU to enhance the university’s Tech Transfer vision, facilitate planning and reach out to the right stakeholders.
Establishment of the NCURA South Caucasus and Ukraine Initiative
In cooperation with the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA), BTU has established NCURA South Caucasus and Ukraine Initiative! The goal of the initiative is to strengthen the dialogue and partnership between the academic institutions of the South Caucasus region and Ukraine, to share knowledge and resources, to strengthen the scientific research potential and to share the best practices of the higher educational institutions and research institutes of the USA.
For detailed information regarding NCURA South Caucasus and Ukraine Initiative, please go to the following link
Tech Transfer Course at BTU - Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Another significant outcome of the UCBP and cooperation with NCURA was the development of TECH transfer course curriculum: identification of topics and invitation of speakers from NCURA’s partner institutions to deliver a pilot course for Georgia’s academic community.
NCURA’s Director for Global Initiatives coordinated the faculty and speakers from the world’s leading higher educational institutions – George Washington University, American University of Beirut (AUB), Czech Technical University in Prague, King’s College London, University of Pennsylvania to share their in-depth knowledge and extensive experience to course participants. Online discussions covered variety of topics: invention disclosure process, evaluation and protection of new technologies, the role of research managers and administrators in the Tech Transfer cycle, the role of Tech Transfer offices in developing academic-corporate alliances…
Course participants were selected following the open call announcement and the pilot phase was attended by representatives of the National Science Foundation of Georgia (SRNSFG), Georgia’s Innovation and Technology Agency (GITA), Georgia’s Patent office – SAKPATENTI, Agrarian University, Grigol Robakidze University, National Polytechnic University of Armenia, Eliava BioPreparations Company, Business and Technology University (BTU). Throughout presentations and exchange, speakers highlighted commercial potential and incredible benefits of academic technology transfer, its role in the country’s innovation ecosystem and enhanced entrepreneurship towards long-term economic development.