Building the TT4I Network for Impact-Driven Technology Transfer

The Impact Licensing Initiative (ILI) is taking the next step in operationalising Impact Licensing with the introduction of the Tech Transfer Facilities for Impact (TT4I) network — a coordinated international framework designed to translate research and innovation into measurable societal, environmental, and economic outcomes.

Over the past months, ILI has been developing the building blocks of Impact Licensing, including the launch of Impact Licensing Toolkit, the publication of the white paper as well as ongoing stakeholder engagement. The TT4I network now takes this work into practice by starting to engage organisations that will form the foundation of the network.

At the core of this model are independent intermediary entities — TT4Is — that facilitate licensing agreements between technology holders and organisations deploying technologies in societal markets. Their role is to ensure that technologies are not only transferred, but effectively adapted, implemented, and monitored to generate measurable impact.

Bringing together organisations active in technology transfer, innovation brokerage, and the translation of research into real-world applications, the network enables the identification and screening of technologies with societal potential, supports the negotiation of impact licensing agreements, and facilitates their deployment in new or underserved markets, alongside monitoring and reporting of impact outcomes.

Building the first cohort

A small number of well-established organisations will work closely with the project team in this initial phase, including joint screenings, mentoring, and early implementation activities. This first group will play a key role in shaping how the model functions in practice and in setting a strong basis for future expansion of the network.

The TT4I network is a central component of the broader Impact Licensing ecosystem, complementing the development of tools, training programmes, and policy recommendations. Together, these elements aim to create a coherent and scalable approach to responsible and impact-oriented technology transfer. As the network develops, ILI will continue to engage with partners, institutions, and practitioners interested in contributing to this emerging model.

The TT4I concept note outlines the rationale, structure, and operational model of the network and serves as a reference for organisations interested in engaging with this initiative.

An information session will take place on 23 March at 12:30 CET on what it means to become a TT4I. During the session, we will present the model, explain who can join, outline the role of participating organisations, and highlight the key benefits of joining the network. To enroll the session, join our Community of Practice (CoP).