Welcome to the Innovation and Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO) of the University of Nairobi. As the Director of IPMO, it is my pleasure to provide you with insights into our mandate, functions, and commitment to fostering innovation and protecting intellectual property within our University community.
IPMO operates under the Division of Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE). We play a pivotal role in strengthening the innovation ecosystem, promoting innovations, and safeguarding the intellectual property generated by our researchers, staff, and students.
Our Mandate
Established in 2009, the mandate of IPMO is threefold:
- Strengthening the University’s innovation ecosystem and promoting innovations within the University of Nairobi community.
- Protecting the intellectual property rights of innovators, inventors, plant breeders, and research sponsors within the University.
- Facilitating the commercialization of inventions and creations.
Our Functions
To achieve this mandate, IPMO performs the following functions:
- Receiving disclosures for inventions and creations.
- Filing patents, utility models, industrial designs, trademarks, copyrights, and new plant varieties with relevant government offices.
- Facilitating commercialization through innovation incubation, innovator mentorship, and the creation of start-ups.
- Linking inventors with industry partners for collaboration and supporting technology licensing processes.
- Processing Material Transfer Agreements and advising on Intellectual Property clauses in Collaboration Agreements and Research Contracts.
- Conducting sensitization and training on intellectual property protection and commercialization.
Engage with us
At IPMO, we are committed to transforming knowledge into tangible solutions that address societal challenges through innovation and entrepreneurial ventures. Whether you are a researcher, inventor, creative artist, or scientist across any discipline at the University of Nairobi, we invite you to engage with us to protect your intellectual assets.
Our offices are located on the 12th Floor of the University of Nairobi Towers at the Main Campus. You can also reach us via email at ipmo@uonbi.ac.ke for further information on intellectual property protection, commercialization of innovations, and technology transfer.
Let us work together to ensure that the wealth of knowledge generated at the University of Nairobi leads to impactful innovations that benefit society through commercialization and entrepreneurship.
Let the University’s wealth of knowledge, research outputs, innovation, and invention transform our societies.
Prof. Maina Wagacha
Director, Innovation & Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO)
University of Nairobi
