University of Nebraska Technology Transfer

The University of Nebraska is a renowned public research university located in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was established in 1869 and has since then become a leading institution offering a diverse range of academic and research opportunities to its students. In addition to its academic excellence, the University of Nebraska also has a robust technology transfer program, which plays a crucial role in bringing the university’s innovative research to the market.

What is Technology Transfer?

Technology transfer is the process of transferring scientific findings and innovations from the academic setting to the commercial sector. It involves the transfer of knowledge, technology, and intellectual property. The primary goal of technology transfer is to bridge the gap between academic research and its practical applications in industries, businesses, and society. By doing so, technology transfer also creates economic opportunities and stimulates economic growth.

The University of Nebraska has established a dedicated Office of Technology Transfer to facilitate and manage this process.

The Office of Technology Transfer at the University of Nebraska

The Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) at the University of Nebraska is responsible for evaluating and protecting the university’s intellectual property, negotiating licenses, and providing support services to inventors and entrepreneurs.

The primary objectives of the OTT are to:

• Protect Intellectual Property

  The OTT helps protect the university’s intellectual property rights by ensuring that all inventions and innovations developed at the university are given appropriate legal protection. This includes filing for patents, trademarks, and copyrights.

• Facilitate Commercialization of University Technologies

  The OTT works closely with faculty, students, and staff to identify and evaluate new technologies that have commercial potential. It helps in connecting the researchers with potential investors, industry partners, and entrepreneurs, to bring these technologies to the market.

• License University Technologies

  The OTT is responsible for negotiating licensing agreements with companies interested in commercializing university technologies. These agreements outline the terms and conditions for the use of the university’s intellectual property, while also ensuring that the university and its inventors receive appropriate compensation.

• Assist in the Creation of Start-up Companies

  The OTT provides support and guidance to university researchers and entrepreneurs interested in starting their own companies based on their innovations. It offers services such as business plan development, market research, and access to funding resources, to help these start-ups thrive.

  Innovative Technologies from the University of Nebraska

  The University of Nebraska has a long history of producing groundbreaking research and innovative technologies across various fields. Here are a few examples of technologies that have been successfully transferred from the university to the commercial sector:

• Lens Technology for High-Performance Computing

  The University of Nebraska’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering has developed a state-of-the-art lens technology that significantly enhances the capabilities of supercomputers. This technology has been licensed and is now being used by Hewlett-Packard Enterprise and other companies to improve their computing performance.

• Biodegradable Materials from Agricultural By-products

  Researchers at the Department of Food Science and Technology have successfully developed a method to convert agricultural by-products such as corn stalks and soybean pods into biodegradable materials. These materials have been licensed to several companies that are now producing sustainable packaging products.

• Microbial Solutions for Animal Nutrition

  The university’s Animal Science department has developed methods to isolate and culture specific microorganisms that can improve the digestive system of animals, leading to improved feed efficiency and animal health. This technology is licensed to several major animal nutrition companies and is being used in the production of animal feed.

  Impact of Technology Transfer on the University and the Community

  The technology transfer program at the University of Nebraska not only benefits the inventors and entrepreneurs involved but also has a significant impact on the university and the local community. It helps bring the university’s research out of its labs and into the market, creating opportunities for economic growth and job creation. By commercializing university technologies, the university also generates additional revenue that can be reinvested in further research and development.

  Moreover, technology transfer also helps in creating a bridge between the academic and business sectors, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. This leads to the creation of new partnerships and drives innovation in both academia and industry.

  Final Thoughts

  The University of Nebraska’s technology transfer program is a vital component of the university’s mission to create a positive impact on society through research and innovation. By facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technology, the university is not only contributing to the economic growth of its local community but also making a significant impact globally.

  Through its dedicated Office of Technology Transfer, the University of Nebraska is committed to supporting and promoting its researchers, empowering them to turn their ideas and discoveries into tangible solutions for real-world issues.