Since its inception in 1984, the UILO has consistently pioneered new initiatives, many of which, such as the Prototype Development Program, have since become industry standards.

Previous initiatives that have come to fruition also include the development of Flintbox and the participation in the creation of academic business development units such as the Centre for Drug Research and Development and the SARS Accelerated Vaccine Initiative (SAVI).

Currently, the UILO is involved in a number of initiatives, including: 

• Global Access Principles

  In 2007, UBC became the first university in Canada to develop a broad strategy to ensure global access to its technologies. A key component in maximizing the societal impact of UBC research, the strategy has been developed by UBC's University-Industry Liaison Office in collaboration with the UBC chapter of the student group Universities Allied for Essential Medicines, Vice President Research Dr. John Hepburn, and UBC President Stephen J. Toope. More

  The UILO was also involved in the development of the Statement of Principles and Strategies for the Equitable Dissemination of Medical Technologies with other leading North American institutions in 2009.

• Neglected Global Diseases Initiative

  The UILO was a founding member and is an active supporter of the UBC Neglected Global Diseases Initiative, which is developing interventions for neglected global diseases and ensuring their delivery to those in need. The NGDI has adopted a cohesive and integrated approach from conception of the interventions to the final use in afflicted individuals, combining the expertise and perspectives of researchers across multiple disciplines. From bench science and pharmaceutical research to social policy, economics and law, the NGDI is providing a mechanism for researchers in these and other areas to interact more effectively and investigate innovative and effective ways of identifying and overcoming barriers to the successful generation of affordable, life-sustaining medicines for developing countries. More

• entrepreneurship@UBC

  entrepreneurship@UBC is a new multi-unit initiative being led by the faculties of Applied Science, Arts, Science, Sauder School of Business and the University-Industry Liaison Office. The aim of the initiative is to inspire, support, and develop entrepreneurship across the campus, bringing together the many different pockets of entrepreneurial activity under one umbrella. 

• Cystic Fibrosis Technology  Initiative

  The Cystic Fibrosis Technology Initiative (CFTI) is a new initiative from The University of British Columbia's University-Industry Liaison Office, the Centre for Drug Research and Development, and the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to advance early-stage technologies that show promise as potential therapeutics towards the goal of a cure or an effective control for cystic fibrosis. More