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🔒 Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) During the Activation Phase

This guide explains when a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) may be required during the Activation Phase, how to use the NDA template, submission expectations, and learners' responsibilities when working with confidential or industry-sensitive information.

Some thesis projects within the Activation Phase may involve collaboration with external organisations, startups, research institutions, or industry partners.

In these cases, learners may be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before accessing confidential information, datasets, systems, business processes, or research materials.

An NDA helps ensure that sensitive information shared during the project remains protected and is used responsibly.

🧭 When an NDA May Be Required

You may be asked to sign an NDA if your thesis involves:

  • Working with an external company or partner
  • Accessing confidential datasets or internal systems
  • Research involving proprietary methods, technologies, or business information
  • Participation in industry or research collaborations
  • Venture-building or innovation projects with sensitive commercial information

👉 Your Lab Owner or external partner will inform you if an NDA is required.

📄 NDA Template

Tomorrow University provides a standard NDA template that can be used where appropriate.

👉 NDA Template

If required:

  1. Open the template
  2. Make your own copy
  3. Review the document carefully
  4. Complete the required information
  5. Share it with the relevant external partner and/or supervisor for signature if applicable

📤 Submission Requirement

If your project requires an NDA, the signed document must be submitted with your final thesis.

This helps ensure that:

  • The university is aware of confidentiality restrictions
  • Supervisors and reviewers understand any limitations related to the project
  • Sensitive information is handled appropriately during assessment and presentation

👉 The NDA should be uploaded together with your final thesis documentation, where applicable.

⚠️ Important Considerations

Before signing any NDA, ensure that you:

  • Fully understand the obligations and restrictions involved
  • Clarify what information is considered confidential
  • Understand whether any limitations affect:
    • Your thesis submission
    • Presentation and defence
    • Publication or sharing of findings

If confidentiality restrictions affect your thesis output, discuss this with your Lab Owner early.

🎓 Academic Requirements Still Apply

Even when working under an NDA:

  • Your thesis must still meet academic standards
  • You must still demonstrate your own analysis, reflection, and contribution
  • Your work must remain accessible to the university

In some cases, sensitive information may need to be:

  • Anonymised
  • Generalised
  • Removed from public-facing materials

🤝 Responsibility & Professional Conduct

Working under an NDA is part of professional research and industry collaboration.

Learners are expected to:

  • Handle confidential information responsibly
  • Follow agreed restrictions and ethical expectations
  • Maintain professionalism throughout the project

Failure to comply with confidentiality agreements may impact:

  • External partnerships
  • Project continuation
  • Academic review processes

🎯 Final Reminder

If your thesis involves external collaboration, industry research, or sensitive information, raise confidentiality considerations early with your Lab Owner.

Clear communication and proactive planning help ensure that your project remains both academically rigorous and professionally compliant.