Technology Transfer

Technology transfer is the process that universities and other academic institutions use to shepherd ideas from the lab to the marketplace — from evaluating and protecting discoveries to commercializing the inventions through new and existing companies.

It's about evaluating, protecting, and transferring intellectual property from the lab to the marketplace, corporate engagement, start-up and entrepreneurial support, and economic development.

The Technology Transfer Lifecycle

Need to disclose a new discovery?

Whether patent, software, copyright, or new technology of any sort – start the technology transfer process here at UTPB by submitting a technology disclosure form to the Office of Innovation & Commercialization.

Download the Disclosure Form

What happens after submitting a technology disclosure form?

Assessment

4 Factors and Subcriteria of Technology Assessment
Technology Differentiation Stage of Development (TRL) Estimated Development Costs Future Development Challenges Publications/Press	Market Product-Market Fit Market Size Competition Market Trends Market Segments
Team Experience Funding Status Engagement Industry Connections Future Plans	Competitive Advantage Customer Benefit/Need Ownership Sponsorship Intellectual Property Novelty

Marketing

Marketing is an essential step in the technology transfer process because it is the way in which licensees are identified to work with UTPB to bring new technology to the public. Marketing is a very strategic step, and the right companies have to be identified and contacted. This requires a good understanding of the market and industry trends, which is why a good assessment is critical.

Marketing Steps: Non-Confidential Summary, Outreach, Non-Disclosure Agreements
Non-Confidential Summary In order to market the technology, marketing material (or marketing collateral), must be developed. Ideally, this should be in the form of a non-confidential summary that can be shared without the need for a non-disclosure agreement. The ‘what’ of the technology can be shared, but not the ‘how.’ View an Example	Outreach After the marketing materials are prepared, companies will be identified based on their potential interest in the technology. Individuals within the companies will be identified based on their role and ability to champion the adoption of new technology from within their company. These individuals will be contacted and if there is interest, then the negotiation phase will commence. Lead Identification Example	Non-Disclosure Agreement If the outreach goes well, a typical next step is the completion of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (also called a Confidentiality Agreement). Signing these agreements personally opens one up to personal liability and does not serve as adequate confidentiality protection*. If you need help with Non-Disclosure Agreements, please reach out to the OIC.

*Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should faculty or staff ever sign these agreements on behalf of UTPB. There are only certain administrators at UTPB that carry the delegation of authority to legally bind the university in contracts.

Licensing