Aug 16 2010
The State University of New York (SUNY), in partnership with The Research Foundation of SUNY and SUNY campuses statewide, has launched five regional "Technology Transfer" hubs across the SUNY research enterprise as part of a novel effort to spur new high-tech business opportunities and stimulate economic growth across New York State.
The move is in direct alignment with the SUNY Strategic Plan to build the Entrepreneurial Century.
Technology Transfer operations at the University at Albany, Binghamton University, University at Buffalo, the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, and Stony Brook University, which collectively are responsible for more than $1 billion in research expenditures, will serve as regional service providers for nearby SUNY campuses to turn SUNY innovations, inventions and ideas into products and materials for everyday public benefit.
SUNY College of Optometry, Upstate Medical University, Downstate Medical Center and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry already operate through a single point of contact for regional handling of technology transfer and licensing matters.
"The regionalization of SUNY's technology transfer operations is a clear expression and application of the Power of SUNY," said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. "Relying on the established expertise of the SUNY research community, our goal is to build a best-in-class innovation infrastructure that cultivates entrepreneurial thinking, drives new industry, creates jobs and improves the quality of life in our communities."
"Innovation is the lifeblood of the 21st century nanotechnology-driven economy," said Brenda Lubrano-Birken, Vice President of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Senior Legal Advisor for Externally Sponsored Programs, and Director of the Office of Technology Innovation and Commercialization of the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. "Enhancing the ability of SUNY to rapidly commercialize groundbreaking technologies in electronics, homeland defense, health care, clean energy and other critical areas will create significant economic opportunities across New York."
Efficient technology transfer operations close the gap between innovation and implementation, leading to a more rapid introduction of new products and services into the market place. The process includes license negotiation, idea and patent protection and other stages of administration and oversight.
University research centers and associated business incubators are responsible for innovation in a variety of fields such as biomedical and pharmaceutical, energy, high performance computing, and nanotechnology. Examples of inventions that result and which benefit the public include faster computer processors and environmentally friendly energies and consumer products.
"Transferring technology from university and college research institutions advances the way we live and work," said Dr. James A, Weyhenmeyer, Senior Vice President for Research at the Research Foundation. "The launch of the SUNY regional technology transfer plan represents significant progress toward our strategic goal to provide outstanding management services and stewardship to the SUNY community."
Source: http://www.sunycnse.com/Home.aspx