Ticino, innovation and intellectual property: interview with Andrea Foglia

Andrea Foglia is in charge of USI Transfer, the technology transfer service of the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI). His career was born from his curiosity and the versatility of his interests, which led him to obtain several Master's degrees in Pavia, Geneva, Zurich and Strasbourg before returning to Ticino, as he recounted in an interview published in "La Domenica" (Il Corriere del Ticino).

After completing compulsory and secondary education in Lugano, Andrea Foglia earned a degree in Biotechnology from the University of Pavia and a degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Geneva. While studying at university, he developed an interest in intellectual property, which prompted him to pursue a Master of Advanced Studies in Intellectual Property from ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology). A few years later, he further advanced his knowledge by obtaining an LLM (a postgraduate law degree) in Intellectual Property Law and Management from the University of Strasbourg.

Therefore, Andrea Foglia's working career began in Basel: "I was hired by a consulting firm based in Basel, which primarily served the University and the University Hospital of the city. For three years, I worked in technology transfer, a field I continue to engage in today, providing advice on intellectual property." After a few years in the city on the Rhine, Andrea Foglia started working for the technology transfer office of the prestigious Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), part of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology and the largest research centre for natural Sciences and Engineering in Switzerland.

Seven years ago, Andrea Foglia decided to return to Ticino and assume the role of Head of USI Transfer. "I have always held Ticino close to my heart and longed to return to where my roots are. However, I knew that after following a specialised professional path, returning would not be easy. That's why, when our university published the call for applications in 2018, I didn't hesitate to apply," Foglia recalled.

The work carried out by USI Transfer is fundamental for protecting and enhancing intellectual property in the academic field: "At the University, when professors and researchers make innovative discoveries, we ensure that their ideas and research results are legally protected. Additionally, we work to guarantee the effective valorisation of these findings." explained Andrea Foglia.

The service offered by USI Transfer is a complete process divided into several steps: "Initially, we assess whether an innovation is suitable for patenting. If it meets the criteria, we proceed to file the patent application and manage the entire process until it is granted. Once the patent is secured, we work on enhancing its value through licensing. Typically, we approach established companies in the region, international firms, or new spin-off companies created by USI that emerge from the university. Additionally, we manage the university's entire patent portfolio and oversee all legal aspects of collaborations with companies, ensuring that our research can have a tangible impact on the economy and society.".

The head of USI Transfer emphasised that Ticino has excellent potential that is important to develop: "We have top-notch research and excellent professors. I must admit that when I returned, I had some preconceived notions. However, I discovered a high-quality academic environment and a region with a strong foundation for innovation. This has led to partnerships with various local and international companies, enabling us to continuously develop new technological and scientific solutions that can positively impact our region and beyond."

The complete interview with Andrea Foglia by Prisca Dindo for "La Domenica" is available at the following link. (Italian only)