The Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office (KTTO) helps students and academics protect their creative work, build it into a business, and connect it with industry — through IP guidance, incubation, research support and corporate partnerships.
KTTO did not start from nothing. It grew out of a unit that has supported UVPA's creative community for several years, and it now operates under a national mandate.
"stARTup", later known as the UBL Cell, is established at UVPA to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem for the visual and performing arts.
The Cell runs education, training, incubation, research and consulting activities for the university and outside partners, under the national AHEAD programme.
On the direction of the University Grants Commission (UGC), the UBL Cell is restructured and renamed the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office (KTTO) — its role today.
To build an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the visual and performing arts — with world-class facilities that turn knowledge and innovation into thriving creative businesses, contributing to Sri Lanka's economic development.
KTTO is UVPA's local office, operating under the national AHEAD Project.
A joint programme of WIPO and Sri Lanka's National Intellectual Property Office, giving university staff and local inventors easy access to high-quality technology information and related services.
Faculty specialists from across the university, supported by undergraduates and trained research assistants, handle consultancy projects of any scale.
We support research across the creative disciplines, and welcome collaborative research proposals in these and other areas.
A contract between the university and another party covering discussions about confidential or proprietary information — both sides agree not to disclose what's shared during research or business talks.
A contract that lets one party use another party's materials for research, covering allowable uses, transfer of rights, IP ownership, confidentiality and liability.
Commercial partner supporting VAPA TV, bringing student talent to a wider audience across Sri Lanka.
Live-streaming and sale of theatrical productions through drama.lk, ready to launch and seeking commercial partners.
Opened in 2024, giving undergraduates a place to buy books and stationery on campus.
Promotes UVPA through dance performances nationally and internationally, showcasing the university's cultural heritage.
Placed students in internships to build organisational experience, and ran a two-day cultural exchange programme with visiting Indian students.
21, Albert Crescent, Colombo 07 · +94 11 203 3710
21, Albert Crescent, Colombo 07
+94 77 728 4038
samith.s@vpa.ac.lk
21, Albert Crescent, Colombo 07
+94 71 802 8461
ublmanager2021@gmail.com
University of the Visual & Performing Arts
21, Albert Crescent, Colombo 07
+94 11 203 3710