Technology Transfer Services

Facilitating the authorized transfer of university research and innovations to external entities for commercialization and societal benefit

What is Technology Transfer?

Technology transfer pertains to the authorized transfer of technology to external entities, overseen by the technology transfer office and facilitated by professionals specializing in licensing, business development, and intellectual property.

These experts boast extensive proficiency in the advancement and commercialization of technologies within the domains of life sciences, physical sciences, and engineering.

Why Participate in Technology Transfer?

Researchers are motivated by a variety of factors that are specific to everyone

Societal Impact

Make a positive impact on society by bringing your research discoveries to market where they can benefit the public

Financial & Recognition Rewards

Receive financial compensation and professional recognition for your innovations and contributions to your field

Additional Funding

Secure additional funding for your lab or department and attract research sponsors for future projects

Personal Fulfillment

Experience the personal satisfaction of seeing your research translate into real-world applications and products

Student Opportunities

Create educational opportunities for students and facilitate connections between students and future job opportunities

Fulfill Obligations

Meet obligations related to research funding or employment requirements while advancing your field

The Technology Transfer Process

From discovery to commercialization: A comprehensive journey of bringing innovations to market

1
Research
Observations and experiments during research activities lead to discoveries and inventions. An invention is any useful process, machine, composition of matter, or any new or useful improvement.
2
Pre-Disclosure
Contact BSU tech transfer personnel early to discuss your invention and receive guidance concerning the disclosure, evaluation, and protection processes.
3
Invention Disclosure
Submit written notice of invention to the BSU Tech Transfer and Innovation Office. This begins the formal technology transfer process and remains confidential.
4
Assessment
Review the invention disclosure, conduct patent searches, and analyze the market and competitive landscape to determine commercialization potential.
5
Protection
Pursue protection through patent applications filed with the U.S. Patent Office and, when appropriate, foreign patent offices to encourage third-party interest.
6
Marketing
Identify candidate companies with expertise and resources to bring the technology to market, or explore forming a startup company.
7
Licensing
Execute license agreement between BSU and a third party, granting rights to the technology for financial and other benefits while retaining ownership.
8
Commercialization
Licensee advances the technology through development, regulatory approvals, sales, marketing, and other business activities to bring products to market.
9
Revenue Distribution
Revenues received from licensees are distributed to inventors, BSU, and partner institutions to fund additional research and education.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Protecting the technology and finding the right licensing partner may take months—or even years—to complete. The amount of time will depend on several factors:

  • •The development stage of the technology
  • •The market for the technology and competing technologies
  • •The amount of work needed to bring a new concept to market-ready status
  • •The resources and willingness of the licensees and inventors

The Bayh-Dole Act

The U.S. Bayh-Dole Act of 1980 empowers universities and non-profit institutions to claim ownership rights to discoveries from federally funded research, provided they fulfill certain obligations.

The Act encourages interest in tech transfer activities by promoting efforts to protect and commercialize such discoveries and sharing resulting revenues with the inventors.

It contributes to increased research, commercialization, educational opportunities, and economic development.

Ready to Begin the Tech Transfer Process?

Contact our team early in your discovery process to discuss your invention and receive guidance on the next steps

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