The University of Oulu is one of Finland’s largest and most multidisciplinary research universities. Its Innovation Centre supports researchers and research groups in identifying, protecting, and commercializing inventions – with the goal of creating new companies and licenses that bring research results into practical use.
Pekka Räsänen, Innovation Manager at the University of Oulu, shares how Greip has enabled the university’s IP operations to grow and become more professional.
Long experience in supporting innovation
Pekka Räsänen has worked at the University of Oulu since 2013, but his career in innovation and invention management began already in 1999.
“I started my work at the Foundation for Finnish Inventions in 1999. The foundation operated with government support and built a network of innovation officers within universities. Since then, I’ve been involved in supporting the commercialization of research-based inventions.”
Räsänen’s background is in process engineering and paper manufacturing, but he took a bold leap into a new field and has built his expertise through continuous professional development.
“I remember patents being mentioned once or twice during my studies, but otherwise it was a completely new world for me. The work is fascinating because you’re constantly learning and developing.”
When the Foundation for Finnish Inventions began to wind down its activities, Räsänen and his colleague Maarit Jokela joined the University of Oulu in 2013.
Greip brought structure and reliability to IP processes
The University of Oulu implemented Greip as early as 2011–2012, when changes in the Finnish Act on Inventions Made at Higher Education Institutions increased universities’ responsibilities in IP management.
“Before Greip, we used Excel and paper folders – a lot of manual work and archiving. As the number of inventions and the patent portfolio grew, it became clear that we needed a system to keep our processes and schedules under control.”
With Greip, the university built a professional IP management framework that has supported the work of a small but efficient team.
“Greip has been essential for allowing a small team to manage and advance IP processes efficiently. It’s a key tool for document management, process tracking, and keeping everything organized.”
Today, three people work at the Innovation Centre focusing on IPR matters, and Greip is an integral part of their daily operations.
A tool supporting research commercialization
The goal of the University of Oulu’s innovation and IPR activities is to turn research results into commercial innovations and new companies. IP processes are a central part of that work.
“Our focus is on generating startups from university research. When IP is transferred to a new company, it’s crucial that everything is properly documented and managed. Greip provides a credible and transparent view of how we handle these matters.”
IP generated at the university is utilized either through new startups or licensing to established companies. With Greip, documentation, deadlines, and reporting remain transparent and reliable.
“Since much of our research is publicly funded, reporting is essential. Greip makes this significantly easier – all data is in one place, easily accessible, and ensures credible reporting.”
University of Oulu – University Innovation Centre
Strong track record of successful spin-offs
The University of Oulu has a long history of successful commercialization.
“Our research has enabled success stories such as Polar Electro, Codenomicon, and Sensinode. Every year we generate around 70 new inventions or invention disclosures, and this year alone a couple of new companies have already been founded.”
Today, the university manages around 70 patent families. IP protection is seen as an important means of supporting both commercialization and the university’s long-term continuity.
“We never patent just for the sake of patenting. Patents protect the university’s position and support our goals in research commercialization.”
Looking ahead
The University of Oulu continues to develop its use of Greip. “New features, such as patent annuity management, are being adopted, and we’re also very interested in exploring how artificial intelligence could support IP work.”
“Greip has evolved remarkably over the years, continuously adding new and useful capabilities. It’s a Finnish solution, data stays within the EU, and the system fits our needs very well.”