Government and University TechTransfer

The Innovation Center of the Rockies (IRC), one of the nation’s premier entrepreneurial support organizations, has entered into an agreement with the University of Wyoming to help boost commercialization of intellectual property (IP) resulting from faculty research.

Arizona State University and Mayo Clinic announced today that Mayo will become a technology transfer participant to join Arizona Furnace, the startup accelerator that supports entrepreneurial teams using designated research discoveries and intellectual property as the basis for new companies.

"We’re actually doing something, and the potential is enormous. It’s a way to differentiate ourselves from other universities nationally."

The Purdue Research Foundation has launched a website called "Innovation and Entrepreneurship" that offers a how-to approach to help entrepreneurs, investors, collaborators and others find information about commercializing Purdue innovations.

"The Bayh-Dole Act has had such far-reaching influence in both academia and American society, but it certainly is not a law that should be set in stone."

"In 1992, starting a UW spinoff was like pulling teeth," Mackie said, but the culture has changed enough over time that most faculty – especially younger members – recognize how technology transfer meshes with the mission of a modern research university.

They plan to create "venture incubator" positions to support new business ventures, as well as roles that will oversee the creation of the office’s long-term programs.

The private sector may help entrepreneurs launch businesses in myriad ways, but today the academic sector is where things are getting really interesting for startups, spinouts and spin-offs.

Sandia National Laboratories is building a portfolio of intellectual property that can be licensed by businesses in as little as an hour.

"Their IPO is a tremendous accomplishment, and we’re looking forward to seeing the drugs reach the market for the benefit of cancer patients worldwide."