Commercialisation Projects 2009

An exiting and innovative part of the Master of Business (Science and Technology degree program is the Commercialisation Project (GSB5000). In this year long project, students work with Monash research scientists on the commercialisation of promising research. The following are some examples.

	Eleni and Millie worked with two Monash psychologists to commercialise a new, computer-based test for cognitive impairment.  The test is faster and more accurate than pencil and paper tests, and may have application in areas such as sport, transport, and underwater construction.  The students did a survey to validate demand for the test, analysed competition, did an intellectual property search, and created a website for marketing and selling the test.
	Gabi and Darshirni worked with electrical engineering researcher, Vajira Amaratunga, who has invented a novel photonic crystal phase detector, which can be used for many applications including modulating light for transmission over fibre optic cables for data transmission.  The students worked on a commercialisation plan for the technology, concentrating on the various markets into which products involving the detector could be sold and the best way to approach those markets.  Although both of the students had biology backgrounds, they rapidly adapted to working on the commercialisation of a discovery in a different area of science.
	Ricky and Natalia worked with HIV researchers at the Alfred Hospital to commercialise a test to determine which HIV patients can be successfully treated with a new class of HIV drugs.  The students did an analysed the market for the test and the potential partners for further development, registration, manufacture, and sale of the test.  They also developed the competitive positioning of the test and did a thorough intellectual property search.  In their projects, the students do not work in laboratories but when they visit the scientists they are working with they sometimes need to dress up in lab coats to see the scientists' work
	Patricia and Jennifer visit the lab of Brendan Wilding, to better understand his research on the disease reducing body myopathy.  Brendan's research is at an early stage and the students' main task is to investigate commercial opportunities that might result as the research evolves and to ensure that any discoveries are put forward to the University for patenting at an appropriate time.  This involved undertaking searches for existing intellectual property in the field.
	Hai and Joanne worked with Dr Michael Danquah on the second year of a project started in 2008 to commercialise the DNA vaccine production technology invented by Dr Danquah and Dr Forde.  In 2008 the students working on the project successfully captured the interest of a number of international bio-pharmaceutical companies in the technology and in 2009 the students continued the interaction with those companies.
	Jocelyn and Wendy worked with Dr James Friend and his team on the commercialisation of novel micro-robot technology.  The students worked with a Business Development Manager from Monash Industry Engagement and Commercialisation on a case for the University to file patent applications for the technology and worked with Dr Friend on lining up the first proof of concept tests of the micro-robots in a medical application.  The students also developed a plan for the overall commercial exploitation of the technology.
	Melissa and George worked with Dr Huanting Wang  on a plan for the commercialisation of a novel technique for manufacturing ceramics for use in a range of applications, including fuel cells.  The students investigated the global competition for the product and identified likely commercial partners.  They also worked with a Business Development Manager from Monash Industry Engagement and Commercialisation on having a patent application for the technology field.
	Kristian and Kate worked with Dr Sharon Ricardo in the third consecutive year of projects involving the commercialisation of Dr Ricardo's potential therapy for premature babies.  The students worked on a range of tasks, including writing grant applications and working with the science team on ethics approval for important in-vitro, human trials aimed at showing if the therapy can result in treatment for a currently untreatable disease.

Commercialisation Projects - 2008

Commercialisation Project - 2007