Biomedical Innovation Unit
The Biomedical Innovation Unit (BIU) at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus is dedicated to facilitating the protection and transfer of biomedical innovations. Our role is to help researchers protect their intellectual property and transform groundbreaking biomedical discoveries into products and services that can improve public health and benefit the broader community.
About BIU
The BIU works in partnership with academic researchers, the Oficina de Propiedad Intelectual de Tranferencia de Tecnologia (OPITT), and the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust to navigate the complexities of federal patenting and compliance, focusing on inventions resulting from federally funded research.
What We Do
We provide special activities to ensure that biomedical innovations are properly protected, reported, and commercialized. Our efforts include:
- Guidance on Patenting Compliance: We assist researchers with understanding and complying with federal patenting regulations, especially in relation to the Bayh-Dole Act and the iEdison system, ensuring that inventions resulting from federal funding are disclosed and protected.
- Commercialization Support: BIU supports researchers in bringing their inventions to market by identifying funding opportunities through programs like SBIR/STTR grants.
- Training & Education: We offer seminars and conferences on the processes of patenting, reporting inventions, and navigating federal compliance to ensure researchers are well-equipped to move their discoveries forward.
Our Role in Innovation
As a central assistance hub for advancing biomedical research, the BIU supports the following key activities:
- Invention Reporting & Disclosure: The unit works closely with researchers to facilitate the timely disclosure of inventions to the UPR-OIPTT or PR Trust for further review and submission to iEdison.
- Protecting Intellectual Property: Through the iEdison system and other resources, we help ensure that inventions are properly patented and safeguarded under U.S. and international laws.
- Fostering Partnerships: BIU promotes collaboration with local organizations to accelerate the development of market-ready innovations that can directly benefit public health.
Collaborators
The BIU collaborates with academic researchers, the Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer (OPITT) at the University of Puerto Rico's Central Administration, the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust, and the USPTO to navigate the complexities of federal patenting and compliance.
Our Impact
The BIU focuses on advancing biomedical commercialization at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus (UPR-MSC). Some key activities include:
Knowledge:
Through our seminars and workshops participants gain hands-on experience and expand their knowledge, coming away with a stronger foundation for future work.
Active Patent Portfolio:
The UPR-MSC has an active portfolio of 31 patents, which include both U.S. and 5 international patents, covering various areas of biomedical research.
Public Health Advancements:
Through our work in patenting and technology transfer, the BIU contributes to improving public health and supporting the translation of research into tangible products that benefit society.
Get Involved
Interested in learning more about patenting or commercializing your research? Connect with us to get the support you need:
- Phone: 787-763-9401
- Email: biu.rcm@upr.edu