Tech Transfer Manager (UAE National)

Life At Dubai Future Foundation

Tech Transfer Manager

IP Intake, Evaluation & Protection

• You will oversee the mandatory IP disclosure process across DFF-affiliated research institutes.
• You will manage a centralized IP disclosure and tracking system, ensuring timely capture prior to any public disclosure.
• You will conduct initial commercial and patentability assessments, evaluating novelty, protectability, market need, strategic relevance, and feasibility for progression to MVP or commercialization.
• You will coordinate with external patent counsel to develop and execute filing strategies, including provisional, PCT, and national phase filings.
• You will ensure standardized IP assignment and inventor royalty-sharing frameworks are applied consistently across DFF entities.

Ip Portfolio Management

• You will build and manage a strategic IP portfolio aligned with DFF priority sectors, including deep tech, future industries, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and AI.
• You will develop commercialization and protection strategies for IP assets, including defensive, licensing-first, and spin-out-ready approaches.
• You will maintain accurate IP records, prosecution timelines, and cost tracking mechanisms.
• You will regularly review portfolio performance and recommend pruning, continuation, or escalation strategies as appropriate.

Commercialization & Market Engagement

• You will lead commercialization pathways for DFF technologies, including technology licensing, Joint Development Agreements (JDAs), and spin-out
• company formation in collaboration with venture creation teams.
• You will prepare non-confidential technology summaries, pitch materials, and commercialization collateral for industry partners and investors.
• You will support industry matchmaking efforts in partnership with industry liaisons and business development teams.
• You will participate in reverse pitches, demo days, and partner briefings to showcase DFF technologies and innovation capabilities.

Researcher Engagement & Capacity Building

• You will act as the primary interface for researchers and inventors, building trust and fostering commercial awareness across the research ecosystem.
• You will deliver IP and commercialization training sessions to research staff, covering topics such as disclosure best practices, publication timing, and IP strategy.
• You will advise researchers on aligning technical development with market needs while maintaining academic rigor.
• You will foster a commercialization-positive research culture across DFF laboratories and affiliated institutes.

Governance, Policy & Process Development

• You will support the development and continuous improvement of IP policies, disclosure procedures, royalty and equity distribution frameworks, and conflict-of-interest processes.
• You will ensure compliance with UAE laws, international IP frameworks, and DFF governance standards.
• You will prepare internal reports and dashboards covering disclosure volumes, patents filed and granted, licensing activity, and commercialization outcomes.

Collaboration & Ecosystem Integration

• You will work closely with venture managers, industry liaisons, and legal, finance, and policy teams to support commercialization and ecosystem development initiatives.
• You will represent DFF within regional and international innovation ecosystems, including universities, investors, accelerators, corporates, and research institutions.
• You will benchmark DFF’s Technology Transfer Office performance against leading global technology transfer organizations and recommend continuous improvement opportunities.
• Why this role is important?
• This role is key to ensuring the effective capture and commercialization of intellectual property generated by Dubai Future Foundation's affiliated research institutes, enabling sound operational decision-making and ensuring discoveries are protected and utilized strategically.
• It serves as the critical link between research output and market opportunity — translating innovation into tangible economic value through licensing, venture creation, and industry partnerships.
• By embedding rigorous technology transfer practices and globally aligned processes, it supports the establishment of a world-class Technology Transfer Office and drives the delivery of priorities across IP protection, commercialization, and ecosystem collaboration.
• In doing so, it contributes directly to Dubai's ambition of becoming a leading global hub for innovation and knowledge-based growth.
• What Dubai Future Foundation offers?

Position: Tech Transfer Manager Dubai Future Foundation

• We will offer you a unique opportunity to work with people who are passionate about the future and establishing Dubai as one of the leading cities of the world.
• You will have the chance to work on exciting and new projects, work in a highly diverse and fast paced environment that fosters creativity, disruptive ideas, and innovation.
• Who we’re looking for?
• You will have minimum 6 years of professional experience, preferably in research, innovation, or ecosystem development
• You will have good understanding of intellectual property concepts, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and related IP principles
• You will have familiarity with IP processes such as registration, protection, and commercialization, as well as frameworks such as WIPO or UAE IP regime
• You will have proven ability to manage projects or coordinate across multiple stakeholders
• You will have strong communication, project management, and organizational skills
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Law, Policy, International Relations, IP Management, or a related field
• Proficiency in Arabic is a plus