When proposing a student project, organisations may have questions about sharing commercially sensitive information and ownership of any intellectual property developed.
SpaceProjects.uk encourages these matters to be considered early, before the project begins.
Can I Propose a Project Without Disclosing Confidential Information?
Organisations should avoid including confidential or commercially sensitive information in publicly advertised project descriptions.
A proposal can explain the project’s broad objectives and the problem to be investigated without disclosing sensitive technical or commercial details.
Where access to confidential information is necessary, the relevant protections should be discussed before that information is shared.
What Is a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)?
An NDA is an agreement that can place restrictions on the disclosure and use of confidential information.
The SpaceProjects.uk Scheme Handbook explains that the standard Project Agreement contains confidentiality provisions. If additional protection is required, the host organisation may need to arrange further agreements with the student and university, including the academic supervisor where appropriate.
The Scheme Handbook can be found at the bottom of this page.
Companies should raise these requirements as early as possible so that suitable arrangements can be considered before work begins.
Who Owns the Intellectual Property Developed During the Project?
The SpaceProjects.uk Scheme Handbook explains that the standard Project Agreement provides for project-generated intellectual property to belong to the student by default.
However, alternative intellectual property arrangements may be agreed between the relevant parties.
A company wishing to obtain ownership of new intellectual property, a licence to use the results, or other specific rights should discuss these requirements with the student and university before the project begins.
An NDA protects confidential information. It does not, by itself, transfer ownership of intellectual property.
What Responsibilities Does the Host Organisation Have?
The host organisation is expected to provide an appropriate project scope and assign a supervisor who can support the student with technical matters.
Other responsibilities outlined in the Scheme Handbook include providing relevant information and resources, maintaining contact with the student, completing the Project Agreement and addressing applicable student expenses.
The student must also meet their university’s academic requirements, with oversight from their academic supervisor.
What Should I Do If My Project Involves Sensitive Information?
If your project involves proprietary designs, unpublished research, commercially sensitive datasets or potentially valuable new intellectual property, discuss your requirements with the SpaceProjects.uk team before confidential material is disclosed.
The appropriate terms should be established with the relevant parties before the project begins.
Further Guidance
For detailed scheme arrangements, please consult the SpaceProjects.uk Scheme Handbook and the applicable Project Agreement.
For enquiries, contact spaceprojects@ukseds.org.
This page provides general guidance and does not replace the applicable agreements or university requirements.