With the aim of recognizing the successful commercialization of university research to promote innovation and economic growth, the AHEAD (Accelerating Higher Education Expansion and Development) operations organized an event to recognize the commercialization efforts of researchers from all HEI cells and universities, as well as its business partners. The event was held on the 02nd of May, 2023 at the BMICH. Emphasizing the successful commercialization which can lead to new products, services, and technologies is one of the major aspects of organizing this event. The event was graced with the presence of Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr. Suren Raghavan, Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Professor Sampath Amaratunga, Vice-Chairman of the Commission, Professor Chandana P. Udawatta, Sri Lankan representative of the World Bank, Ms. Chio Kanda, all University Vice Chancellors, OTS Directors, UBL Directors & Managers, and the business community. Mr. Nuwan Liyanage – Founder of Colombo Drums and Mr. Amiththa Bandaranayake (Deputy Coordinator of the Research Grant) participated in the event from the Department end. The Department of Music & Creative Technology has signed licensing agreement for 09 industrial designs at one time with the Colombo Drums for the Research Innovation and Commercialization (RIC) project (round 2) in the Department of Music & Creative Technology, USJ, under the Accelerating Higher Education Expansion and Development Operation (AHEAD). This is the 5th licensing agreement signed by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura with the commitment and guidance of University TEC Transfer. The 9 innovative drum designs developed by the research team have been already filed at National Intellectual Property Office as Industrial designs. The ongoing Research project was nominated and certificated in this event for the nine innovative drum designs with novel sounds that have been introduced and licensed to Colombo drums to be commercialized soon. The unique designs of the innovative drums are expected to expand the range of the music going beyond the traditional drums. And special thank goes to Prof. Harendra Kariyawasam (Director – of OTS USJ), Professor Priyan Perera (Director – of UBL Cell), Mr.Trishan Perera (Manager of UBL Cell), and Professor Pradeep Ratnayake (Project Coordinator), Mr. Jeewaka Amiththa Bandaranayake (Deputy Coordinator of the Research Grant), Team members, Senior Lecturer Priyantha Thilakasiri, Senior Lecturer Muditha Ruwan Arumawadu and Ms. Sankalani Fernando (Research Assistant) from the Department of Music and Creative Technology.
