SBIR Commercialization: The University Perspective

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SBIR CommercializationThe University Perspective

• Commercialization Workshop July 31,2003
• Hosted by VCU Office of Research

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Mission Conflict University vs Business

• University
• generate and disseminate new knowledge
• focus quality basic research and scholarship
• public disclosure and teaching required
• Small Business
• maximize the value of IP/service to investors
• product, profit-driven, directed research
• information control essential to protect IP

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Why do Technology Transfer?

• Bayh-Dole Act 1980-1987
• created uniform federal patent policy
• encouraged Universities to collaborate with
  companies
• allowed Universities to elect title to inventions
  developed with federal monies, but must file
  patent
• Universities may not assign their rights (except
  PMO)
• government rights retained
• preference in licensing to small business

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Why do Technology Transfer?

• do public good - new products improve quality of
  life
• attract and retain quality faculty and staff
• build highly competitive research infrastructure
• promote corporate relationships
• stimulate entrepreneurship and contribute to
  regional economic development, including small
  business, and
• generate value () and recognition from success
  of marketed products

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University Concerns

• Intellectual property and publication rights
• -rights to IP (option to license) defined in
  University sub-contract,
• -control of release of sensitive information
  (ie. public disclosure)
• Conflicts of interest
• -time commitment of University personnel, who
  is your employer?
• -entrepreneurship and outside income can impact
  design, execution, analysis, and reporting of
  experiments and results
• -entrepreneurship impact on mentor/student and
  collaborating colleague relationships

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Optimal University-SBIR and Small Business
Interactions

• Locate and access expertise and resources
  required,
• Entrepreneurial environment and spirit,
• Open communications lead to sound documents and
  good working relationships,
• Fair treatment for all parties.

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Gaining Access to University Expertise

• University Office of Technology Transfer,
  Industrial Relations, or IP Foundation
• VCU Web site www.vcu.edu/research/technology
  transfer
• Email franson_at_hsc.vcu.edu
  ismetche_at_hsc.vcu.edu
• Phone [phone]
  
  
  
• VCUs New Location Virginia Biotechnology
  Research Park, BioTech One, 800 E. Leigh Street,
  Suite 113