Characteristics of university spin-os in chemistry and their business relationships with manufacturers

Abstract

Many studies have, in a general sense, paid a great deal of attention to university spin-offs in biotechnology or information technology. However, little attention has been given to university spin-offs in chemistry and chemical engineering. The present study discusses the business relationships between university spin-offs and manufacturers. Questionnaires were sent to the inventors of university spin-offs. The 82 replies were classlfied into four fields, (1) Chemistry, (2) Electronics, Machinery and Others, (3) Biotechnology and (4) Information Technology. Two university spin-offs were interviewed. The results show that there are differences between the spin-offs in Chemistry and those in other fields. University spin-offs in Chemistry tend not to receive investment from manufacturers, but do have joint funding with manufacturers. They also tend to support research and development (R&D) of their partner manufacturers and may not be as attractive as spin-offs in other fields to outside investors, such as venture capitalists. However, the open tendency of university spin-offs in Chemistry is essential to advance the R&D of many industries in Japan. © 2012 The Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan.