FAQ
To ask a question, please email us at info@oscrproject.com
Is this project being funded by NESTA?
The project is being funded by NESTA and Orange equally.
Is my idea being exposed to Orange directly or indirectly in any way?
No, your idea will be assessed by the “Trusted Agent” team which includes live|work, NESTA and Wireless Innovation. Live|work are representing the interests of Orange throughout the airlock process. They will act on Orange’s behalf without exposing any ideas to Orange.
What is a “Trusted Agent”?
Trusted agents are independent third parties hired to assess and develop the ideas submitted to the project, working with the idea generators. On Orange’s behalf, the Trusted Agents are live|work who have significant experience of working with Orange. NESTA and Wireless Innovation will form the Trusted Agent team on behalf of the innovators.
What is the “Airlock” for and how does it work?
The Airlock is a development space for successful applicants to the project. While in the airlock, applicants will have access to funding and the trusted agents, to develop their pitch to Orange. It will allow you to taylor your idea and pitch in a way that gives it the best chance when presented to Orange at the end of the airlock.
How does OSCR safeguard both parties’ (the “applicant” and “Orange”) Intellectual Property?
By providing the ‘airlock’ the applicant is free to discuss and hone the innovation without exposing it to Orange. This neutral space allows constructive conversations to occur without any accompanying questions about who owns the resulting development. From Orange’s perspective, the company is protected against any suspicion of plagiarism, even if it is subsequently found to be developing a similar offer, quite by chance.
If my service innovation is already protected can I fast-track the “Airlock”?
The Trusted Agent team will judge this on a case by case basis. It is unlikely to be entirely market-ready for Orange and so our view is that time spent in protecting, developing and honing your service innovation will be time well spent.
What kind of funding and support can the applicant expect if they reach the “Airlock”?
On top of time and expertise from the Trusted Agents there is a £100k fund available to help develop, protect and prototype service innovations, if it’s needed. We are envisaging between 5 and 10 new services to make it into the airlock and have access to the funding. It will be distributed on a case-by-case basis and tied to specific deliverables that must be achieved during the airlock
What are my options as an applicant during and after the 90 days in which Orange has “right of first refusal”?
During the 90 days you may not present or expose your idea to anyone else. Afterwards you can withdraw your innovation from OSCR and are free to present and market it to anyone you see fit if Orange decides not to proceed. If Orange does decide to proceed, you are free to set your own commercial terms with them. Building and developing business models will be a key part of development discussions in the airlock.
If I am unsuccessful in reaching the “Airlock” how else can I work further with Orange (exit option)?
We will be happy to help applicants identify the right people to approach within Orange for you to pursue yourselves. Once the project has finished, we can make your submission visible to Orange for them to evaluate themselves, at your request.
Who owns the IPR once it has been protected within the “Airlock”?
You do.
