Work procedures

Procedures

Frequently Asked Questions Request Consultation

Methodology of Procedures

The Entrepreneurship Institute follows specific procedures and processes within the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem at King Saud University. These procedures are based on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from 1 to 9.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Model

The TRL model is used to assess the readiness of technology for practical and commercial application. This is done by classifying technology according to specific levels that start from basic research and end with actual application in the market.

TRL 1: Basic principles observed and reported: Initiation of basic research and discovery of fundamental principles of the technology.
TRL 2: Technology concept formulated: Formulating the concept and potential applications based on the basic principles.
TRL 3: Experimental proof of concept: Conducting research and validating the initial concept in the laboratory.
TRL 4: Technology validated in lab: Developing and testing the prototype in a laboratory environment.
TRL 5: Technology validated in relevant environment: Testing the prototype in an environment similar to the operational environment.
TRL 6: Technology demonstrated in relevant environment: Testing the prototype in an operational environment similar to the target environment.
TRL 7: System prototype demonstration in operational environment: Developing and testing the integrated prototype in an operational environment.
TRL 8: System complete and qualified: Qualifying the complete system and conducting final verification tests.
TRL 9: Actual system proven in operational environment: The technology is ready for actual use in the target environment.

Disclosure, Evaluation, and Development of Innovative Ideas and Intellectual Property

Disclosure: Innovators submit their ideas through the Knowledge Management System (KMS) via specific steps and forms.
Evaluation and Screening: The Innovation Center (Screening Committee) evaluates the ideas to ensure completeness, quality, and marketability through an initial screening.
Developing Proof of Concept: The Innovation Center supports and assists innovators in completing the Proof of Concept phase if needed.
Technology Transfer Office: Successful ideas are transferred to the Technology Transfer Office to start procedures related to development, protection, and commercialization.

Stages and Procedures of the Technology Transfer Office

Application Review: Screening and evaluation committees review the application to verify the conditions necessary for the intellectual property's registrability and assess economic feasibility.
Development by the Technology Development and Prototyping Center: The center provides support in building the prototype internally or externally.
Commercialization: After completing development and reaching TRL = 6, the application is transferred to the Commercialization Unit to search for marketing opportunities.

Commercialization of Projects and Innovative Ideas

The Commercialization Unit catalogs and screens innovative ideas based on readiness and field, then markets them through several channels:

Displaying available innovations for investment through the institute's website.
Holding specialized exhibitions and inviting relevant entities and potential investors.
Communicating with relevant entities in the fields of available innovations and direct marketing.
Attending local and international conferences and exhibitions to showcase the university's intellectual property portfolio.

Commercialization pathways that can be followed:

Licensing, whether exclusive or non-exclusive.
Sale.
Commercialization and joint ventures.
Assignment for financial compensation.
Use for non-commercial purposes related to education and scientific research.
Various combinations of the above.

Main Procedures on the Knowledge Management System (KMS)

Register a New User or Log In

Select "Disclose an Innovative Idea" or "Invention Disclosure".

Complete Personal and Contributor Information

Fill in the required personal information and provide the details of contributors, including their contribution percentages.

Provide Detailed Information about the Technology

The disclosure should include a full description, covering:
- Prior art and the latest technologies related to the subject of the request.
- Differences between the invention and previous technologies, addressing shortcomings and problems in the prior art.
- A detailed explanation of how the invention works.
- Attach relevant drawings to the detailed description with explanations.
- The information should be as comprehensive as a research paper ready for publication.

Submit the Application

The application is sent for review.

Contributor Review

An email is sent to the contributors to review the application, approve the content, and confirm their contribution percentages.
[Ensure the accuracy of contact details to avoid email delivery issues].

We cannot proceed with the disclosure process until all contributors approve. We recommend contacting contributors to expedite the approval process.

Initial Screening

The idea is evaluated to ensure all requirements are met, and the quality and marketability of the idea are assessed.

Evaluation, Protection, and Development

The application then moves through phases of evaluation, development, protection filing, and continued communication with the innovators.

Steps to Apply for Incubation in Business Incubators and Accelerators

Determine and Announce the Opening of the Incubation Period

The application period is usually available at any time. If the application is closed, the opening of the incubation period is announced through the Entrepreneurship Institute's website and all affiliated communication channels.

Applicant Fills Out the Application

The applicant can submit an incubation request and fill out the application through the incubation portal: Click Here

Application Review (Initial Screening)

Complete and Eligible Application: Approval (the application is referred to the Project Evaluation Committee).
Incomplete Application: The applicant is notified to make adjustments.
Application Rejection: The applicant is notified of the decision.

Evaluation by the Project Evaluation Committee

Approval and Acceptance
Request for Adjustments: The applicant is notified to make adjustments.
Application Rejection: The applicant is notified, and the application is closed.

Applicant's Personal Interview

Select an interview date through the incubation portal based on availability.
The personal interview is conducted.

Evaluation and Approval of the Personal Interview

Personal Interview Evaluation: Application rejection or approval.
Application Approval: Sent to the Support Committee for Business Incubators and Accelerators with the evaluation committee's recommendations.

Support Committee for Business Incubators and Accelerators

The committee studies and approves the application according to the institute's and university's objectives. After the committee's approval, the application is referred to the incubator manager to start the incubation.

Start of Incubation

Determine the mentor, incubator, and incubation plan.
Implement incubation stages according to approved procedures.
Follow up on incubation procedures and feasibility study.