In 2022, the General Vice Rector’s Office for Research determined the procedure for intellectual property and technology transfer policies, as well as the guidelines for the intellectual property regime for students, with the purpose of promoting a culture where intellectual property and technology transfer are highly regarded.
The VGI, through the Corporate Direction of Innovation and Transfer (DCIT), has the purpose of: “Supporting and facilitating the members of the university community, the management of inventions, resulting from their intellectual work, through mechanisms that make their transfer viable through licensing, sale or creation of technology-based companies for the benefit of society.”
The guidelines for students allow the early identification of inventions susceptible of being taken to intellectual protection processes, in which students are involved either in subjects with final year projects or in special programs to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
For this reason, the School of Engineering at the Guadalajara Campus through the careers of Innovation and Design Engineering and Mechatronics Engineering started the pilot program “Innovation Journey”, aimed at 8th semester students, with the purpose of supporting students’ training for them to acquire the necessary skills to execute their projects, including intellectual property management and innovation.
A one-year program called “Innovation Journey” was organized in order to enhance students’ professional training:
- Design and development (ideation) of technologies based on problems or market needs.
- Validation and testing of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
- The value of intellectual property in your projects.
- Analysis of the state of the art and technological trends.
- Development of business models and their commercialization.
- Pitch to promote or seek investment.
The result of “Innovation Journey” was the development of 26 final year projects of students, four of which were awarded a prize that consisted of a symbolic “SUPPORT BONUS” for an approximate amount of $200,000.00, which covers the payment of intellectual property counseling, legal expenses, as well as training and follow-up through the transfer office for their promotion and commercialization.
Additionally, they will also have the commitment to actively participate in the intellectual property management process with the counseling of the Intellectual Property Management Center (CGPI).
Subject teachers
Professor Óscar Sánchez Barba
Dr. Leonardo Valdivia
Dr. Fabiola Cortés
Winning students
Innovation and Design Engineering
Team – Pivotiq
Contreras De Obaldia, Fernanda
Martín Del Campo Guerrero, Sergio Francisco
González Gurrola, Azul Ximena
Team – AMEDIA
Aldrete Robles, Anett Michel
Oviedo Ruesga, Jessica Daniela
Valdez Arechiga, Estefania
Team – CleanPod
Preciado Arceo, María José
Trapero Sánchez Gil, Jimena
Reynoso Obregón, Natalia
Mechatronics Engineering
Project – Kapeh
Ramírez Gómez, Diego
This pilot program not only demonstrates Universidad Panamericana’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, but also represents a step towards institutionalizing the “Innovation Journey” on other campuses.
With this program, the General Vice Rector’s Office for Research aims to push our student community into the limelight when it comes to significant and sustainable changes, preparing them to lead in the industry with responsibility and a clear vision of the future.
