Jimma University Conducts Research Commercialization and Intellectual Property Policy Validation Workshop

Jimma University successfully conducted a workshop on Research Commercialization and Intellectual Property (IP) Policy Validation, bringing together researchers, innovators, academic staff, and stakeholders to strengthen the University’s innovation ecosystem and enhance the protection, management, and commercialization of research outputs.
The workshop was officially opened by Prof. Mulumebet Abera, Vice President for Research and Partnerships, who underscored the strategic importance of intellectual property management and research commercialization in the University’s journey toward becoming an autonomous and entrepreneurial institution. In her opening remarks, she highlighted that university autonomy extends beyond academic excellence and requires robust institutional capacity to generate, protect, manage, and commercialize knowledge and innovations that contribute to societal and economic development.
The event featured presentations and discussions on the University’s intellectual property ecosystem, including the role of the newly established Intellectual Property Coordinating Office in supporting innovation, technology transfer, and the protection of intellectual assets. Mr. Sintayehu Tadese, an expert from the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority, reviewed the Draft Jimma University Intellectual Property Policy and provided detailed comments and recommendations. Participants actively engaged in the discussions, raised questions, and offered valuable feedback to strengthen the policy before its final approval.
A key component of the workshop was a capacity-building session on research commercialization, focusing on pathways for transforming university research outputs into marktable products, services, technologies, and enterprises. The training was delivered by Dr. Dessisa Yadeta from the Ministry of Industry, who shared practical experiences and strategies for promoting research innovation, technology transfer, industry collaboration and the commercialization of research outcomes,
The workshop concluded with recommendations that will support the finalization of the University’s Intellectual Property Policy and further advance the University’s efforts to promote innovation, research commercialization, and sustainable socioeconomic development through research and knowledge generation.