Commercialization Manager

Responsibilities

• Lead the evaluation and commercialization strategy for university-developed technologies and intellectual property (IP) with high market potential.
• Identify, assess, and prioritize invention disclosures for patenting, licensing, or spin-off creation in collaboration with inventors and senior management.
• Develop and execute marketing strategies to promote university technologies to industry partners, investors, venture capitalists, and licensees.
• Negotiate, draft, and finalize licensing agreements, option agreements, and other commercialization contracts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with industry, startups, incubation centers, and government bodies to facilitate technology transfer and collaborations.
• Oversee the management of the university’s IP portfolio, including patent prosecution, maintenance, and enforcement in coordination with external legal counsel.
• Monitor and manage royalty income, revenue sharing, and compliance with licensing agreements.
• Guide and mentor junior staff in the Technology Transfer Cell on commercialization processes, market analysis, and deal structuring.
• Organize high-impact industry-academia events, technology showcases, roadshows, and partnership meets to accelerate commercialization.
• Prepare and present periodic reports on commercialization metrics, revenue generation, successful licenses, spin-offs, and impact to university leadership.
• Ensure compliance with university IP policy, national/international IP laws, and obligations to funding agencies.
• Identify funding opportunities, grants, and proof-of-concept programs to bridge the gap between research and market-ready technologies.
• Advise faculty and researchers on commercialization pathways, market viability, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
• All other such jobs may be assigned from immediate superior/authorities from time to time.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualification: Master's degree in Science, Engineering, Technology, Management (MBA preferred), or Law with specialization in Intellectual Property/Technology Management. Ph.D. or additional certification in IP/Technology Transfer will be an advantage.

Required Skills

• 10-13 years of experience in technology commercialization, licensing, business development, or IP management in universities, research institutions, technology transfer offices, or industry R&D sectors.
• Proven track record of successful technology licensing deals, spin-off creation, or revenue generation from IP.
• In-depth knowledge of Indian and international IP laws, patent commercialization processes, and market assessment techniques.
• Strong negotiation, deal-closing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and networking abilities.
• Proficiency in market research tools, financial modeling for technology valuation, and contract management.

Preferred Skills

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and result-oriented approach.
• High level of integrity, ethics, and ability to handle confidential information responsibly.
• Professional, confident, and persuasive in interactions with senior faculty, industry executives, and investors.
• Leadership qualities with ability to mentor teams and drive commercialization initiatives.
• Proactive, adaptable, and committed to fostering innovation and institutional growth through effective technology transfer.