University–Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer (UIL-TT) Directorate

Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU) is committed to advancing national development through applied research, innovation, and strong engagement with industry and society. In line with this mandate, the University-Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer (UIL-TT) Directorate serves as a central institutional mechanism for translating academic knowledge, research outputs, and technological innovations into tangible socio-economic impact.

The UIL-TT Directorate operates under the Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer. It plays a pivotal role in bridging between academia, industry, government, and the community. It facilitates technology transfer, promotes innovation and entrepreneurship, supports intellectual property protection, and strengthens collaboration with industrial and development partners at local, national, and international levels. Through its coordinated offices and centers, the Directorate contributes to industrial problem-solving, capacity building, commercialization of research outcomes, and sustainable development initiatives aligned with Ethiopia’s development priorities.

2. Organizational Structure

The University-Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer Directorate is structured to ensure effective coordination, accountability, and impact-oriented service delivery. The Directorate is led by a Director, who is accountable to the Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer.

The UIL-TT Directorate comprises the following offices and centers:

• University–Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer (UIL-TT) Coordinator Office
• Innovation Development and Intellectual Property Rights (ID-IPR) Coordinator Office
• Entrepreneurship Development Center (EDC)
• Sustainable Energy Center
• Cement Technology Center (CTC)

These offices operate in an integrated manner to support technology transfer, innovation development, entrepreneurship, and industrial collaboration across ASTU’s academic and research ecosystem.

An Executive Standing Committee, composed of UIL-TT coordinators and industry-experienced experts, supports strategic decision-making and facilitation of technology transfer activities.

3. General and Specific Objectives

3.1 General Objective

The overarching objective of the UIL-TT Directorate is to enhance the socio-economic contribution of ASTU by facilitating effective university-industry linkages, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring the transfer and commercialization of appropriate technologies for public benefit.

3.2 Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of the UIL-TT Directorate include:

• Strengthening collaboration between ASTU and industries, governmental institutions, and other stakeholders;
• Identifying industrial and community needs and designing technology-based solutions;
• Facilitating the transfer, adaptation, and commercialization of research and innovation outputs;
• Promoting intellectual property protection and utilization of economically valuable innovations;
• Supporting entrepreneurship development, incubation, and start-up creation;
• Enhancing student internship, externship, and industrial attachment programs;
• Mobilizing external funding and resources for joint research and technology transfer projects;
• Promoting sustainable and renewable energy technologies and industrial best practices;
• Contributing to national capacity building, employment creation, and industrial competitiveness.

4. What We Do

4.1 UIL-TT Directorate Office

The UIL-TT Directorate Office provides strategic leadership and coordination for all university-industry linkage and technology transfer activities at ASTU. Its key functions include:

• Directing and administering UIL-TT activities in alignment with university policies and strategic goals;
• Identifying and prioritizing thematic areas for technology transfer through stakeholder needs assessments;
• Searching for and mobilizing external funding for technology transfer and joint research initiatives;
• Facilitating collaboration and partnership agreements with industries and development partners;
• Monitoring and evaluating technology transfer projects and ensuring effective dissemination of outputs;
• Promoting awareness of innovation, technology transfer, and commercialization opportunities;
• Organizing technology exhibitions, innovation forums, workshops, and seminars;
• Supporting the establishment of university-affiliated enterprises and start-ups.

4.2 UIL-TT Coordinator Office

The UIL-TT Coordinator Office operationalizes university-industry engagement and ensures the effective implementation of linkage and transfer activities. Its responsibilities include:

• Identifying industrial gaps and technologies required by industries and communities;
• Initiating and coordinating joint research and technology transfer projects;
• Preparing annual and strategic plans and performance reports;
• Facilitating the preparation, signing, and follow-up of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs);
• Monitoring internship, externship, and industrial attachment programs;
• Organizing training, awareness workshops, and capacity-building programs;
• Supporting technology incubation and commercialization in collaboration with the EDC;
• Maintaining records and databases of UIL-TT activities and outputs.

4.3 Innovation Development & Intellectual Property Rights (ID-IPR) Coordinator Office

The ID-IPR Coordinator Office is responsible for managing ASTU’s intellectual property assets and promoting innovation development. Its core functions include:

• Implementing and promoting the ASTU Intellectual Property Policy;
• Receiving and processing intellectual property disclosures from inventors;
• Facilitating patent searches, drafting, filing, and protection processes;
• Advising on appropriate forms of IP protection (patents, utility models, industrial designs, etc.);
• Coordinating with the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA) and international IP offices;
• Supporting commercialization strategies and business model development for patented innovations;
• Monitoring IP maintenance and post-commercialization interests of the University;
• Disseminating IP-related information and databases to ASTU stakeholders.

4.4 Entrepreneurship Development Center (EDC)

The Entrepreneurship Development Center plays a vital role in nurturing innovation-driven entrepreneurship among students, staff, youth, and SMEs. The EDC focuses on:

• Creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurial learning and innovation;
• Incubating and mentoring business ideas and start-ups;
• Providing advisory, technical, financial, and marketing support for entrepreneurs;
• Organizing entrepreneurship training and capacity-building programs;
• Supporting prototype development and product validation;
• Networking innovators with investors, industries, and support institutions;
• Contributing to employment creation and economic diversification.

4.5 Sustainable Energy Center (SEC)

The Sustainable Energy Center supports national energy transition goals through research, training, and technology transfer in renewable and alternative energy systems. Its activities include:

• Coordinating sustainable energy research and community service projects;
• Promoting renewable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly technologies;
• Providing training and capacity building in energy-related fields;
• Collaborating with industries, government bodies, NGOs, and international partners;
• Supporting rural and urban energy solutions through applied research and technology transfer.

4.6 Cement Technology Center (CTC)

The Cement Technology Center is a specialized center dedicated to advancing Ethiopia’s cement and construction materials sector. Its key functions include:

• Supporting human resource development and professional training in the cement industry;
• Facilitating applied research, R&D, and technology transfer;
• Promoting product diversification, energy efficiency, and value addition;
• Organizing regional and international cement and concrete forums and summits;
• Strengthening industry–academia collaboration and technical capacity building.

5. Contact and Location

University-Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer Directorate
Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU)
Adama, Ethiopia

For more information, contact:

Dr. Tadele Negash

Director, University-Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer Directorate

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: +251911931140
Office Location: Research Park B-533, R31