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TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION RESEARCH CENTER

The Technology Commercialization Research Center (“TCRC”), which is jointly sponsored by the Syracuse University College of Law, Syracuse University Office of Sponsored Programs, and Syracuse University Center for Computer Applications and Software Engineering, specializes in researching and analyzing the commercial development of early-stage technologies. Student teams in the TCRC provide technical, marketing, and legal research and analysis to companies and organizations seeking to bring new technologies to market.

Each semester, students enrolled in the TCRC partner with New York companies to analyze the technical, business, and legal issues related to a new technology. Since its inception, the TCRC has undertaken more than 100 research projects on a wide range of technologies on behalf of universities, research laboratories, technology development organizations and companies. Some of the clients with whom the TCRC has worked over the years include Syracuse University, Cornell University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, Columbia University, SUNY Stony Brook University, Infotonics Center of Excellence, Central New York MedTech, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Naval Research Laboratory, Rome Air Force Research Laboratory, Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Central New York Technology Development Organization, New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation, Eastman Kodak Company, Royal Philips Electronics and Welch Allyn, Inc.

Recent research projects include:

Title: Data Visualization Systems

Client:  C Speed

 

C Speed is a product development and engineering services company.  Its programmers  engineered a new way to look at complex data sets, highlight relationships between seemingly unrelated data types, and allow a data user to customize the display to meet specific needs; all in the form of a data visualization system (DVS).  The report provided a comprehensive view of the developing technology and its commercialization potential.  A detailed description of the visualization system, its competitive environment, relevant markets, intellectual property considerations, and regulatory matters was provided. The technology portion of the report provides a brief description of the resolution C Speed offers to combat the apparent problems in complex data visualization.  In addition, an evaluation of different markets including testing & measurement, medical, and defense was provided.  The testing and measurement industry both in the United States and throughout the world is dominated by a few firms, three of which are profiled in the market section.  The legal section discusses the various types of intellectual property protection available and the applications to which each type most directly applies.  An analysis of these topics and recommendations for potential applications was also included.


Title: ScrubiT Pro

Client: JP Morgan Chase

 

This report focused on a technology developed by JP Morgan Chase to clean documents of metadata.  If a document is sent outside of a firm without first cleaning it of metadata, it can reveal confidential information about the document and the firm.  The report provided an overview of metadata technology and the dangers it can present. Various existing metadata cleaning programs were explored in this project and then compared to reveal the benefits and weaknesses of each individual package.   Commercialization paths available to the client were explored as well as other potential opportunities for the information technology. These opportunities included the financial service market. This market consists of such institutions as hedge funds, retail brokerages firms, sell-side firms, private client groups, traditional asset managers, and full-service firms. The accounting market was considered because accounting firms use some of the most difficult and complicated information technology systems to manage and integrate their business.  The law firm market was another potential market for ScrubIT! Pro since information technology is increasingly intertwined in the practice of law.  Another option explored was selling ScrubIT! Pro to an information technology service or product provider.  A sale would assist in reaching customers in the financial services, accounting, and law firm markets, allowing the client to commercialize the technology while avoiding the cost of additional development, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of its technology.

 

Title: Assessing the Success of Technology Transfer Offices

Client: NYSTAR

 

Over the past ten years, a number of research studies have found various factors to be associated with the success of university technology transfer offices (TTOs).  The objective of this research project was to test the degree of correlation between the past effectiveness factors and hypothesized effectiveness factors on the success of TTOs as measured by three sets of data collected by the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM).  To test this degree of correlation, and the success of TTOs, three sets of AUTM data were used to measure TTO success: (1) the ratio of licensing revenue to research expenditures; (2) the ratio of number of licenses and options to research expenditures; and (3) the ratio of the number of startup companies to research expenditures.  The score for each TTO on each of the three ratio measures of success was calculated. A composite list of TTOs ranging from the most successful to the least successful was developed and analyzed to determine which factors correlated most significantly with TTO success.  The report concluded that the composite efficiency score is a reliable means to assess overall success in technology transfer, and that business expertise at the TTO and state support for technology commercialization are probably important factors contributing to the success of TTOs.   

 Title: Greensulate
Client: Ecovative Design, LLC

Ecovative Design, LLC developed a new method for creating a sturdy biodegradable material with potential to be developed in a number of useful ways. Examples include structural cores, green packaging, and bioplastics. The report discussed protecting further innovation through patent protection and maintaining innovations as trade secrets, both with regard to employees and dealings with third parties. The report provided a representative summary of some United States and foreign patents classified in technical fields relating to Ecovative’s technology to illustrate fields in which technologies of potential interest are currently used. Relevant regulations and standards that affect Ecovative’s products were evaluated. These include ASTM International (originally American Society for Testing and Materials) and the International Building Code (IBC), which both recommend and require testing of various materials. There are separate testing requirements and definitions for combustibility and conductivity provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The regulations that affect biodegradability, recycled content, and reclaimed content are also relevant to Ecovative’s mission. A brief analysis of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) was provided within the context of Ecovative’s role in green building projects, and an examination of additional organizations administering standards and certifications was provided for consideration.

Pathways such as strategic planning, market selection, technological/research, and commercialization were discussed. With regard to the markets determined most relevant to Ecovative’s products an overview of the markets, major trends driving each market, and operations of the largest participants in each market were provided. 


Title: SiMPore Technology: Ultra SM
Client: SiMPore, Inc.

SiMPore, Inc. licensed a new silicon membrane technology from the University of Rochester for the separation and purification of biomolecules and other nano-size particles in a wide range of applications. The technology provided for substantial price and efficiency improvements over filters that were then on the market. The report described the improvements in the filter technology, and contrasted it with similar technologies of competitors and potential partners. The markets for protein separation, virus filtration, and dialysis were considered, and an overview of the dominant technologies, market size, trends, and prominent market participants was provided. The process for including SiMPore’s nanofilter in new and existing medical devices was described, including an analysis of the complex and extended Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process required prior to utilizing new medical devices in the United States. SiMPore’s University relationships, including the company’s licensing agreement with the University of Rochester, were considered. Relevant tax laws and a discussion of the tax implications that can flow from research conducted in tax exempt facilities was discussed. Finally, potential market applications, risks, costs, returns, and suggestions for the development of SiMPore’s business were provided. 


Title: DeaD Assay and Identified Compounds
Client: The University of Rochester Office of Technology Transfer

This report focused on two technologies developed by researchers at the University of Rochester; namely the DeaD assay and the compounds discovered through the assay’s unique screening process. The report analyzed several of the key competitors’ strategies within their respective, somewhat overlapping, markets. The primary markets surveyed were: Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Type II Diabetes, cancer, Macular Degeneration, and dermatology. Related to these markets is the derived intellectual property (IP) from age-related disease research. The report assessed several disclosed assays and compounds by drawing similarities and highlighting deviations of the DeaD assay and compounds to those currently patented. The IP section provided information related to licensing research tools such as: reach through royalties, exclusive licenses and patent exhaustion. Associated with the IP section was an overview of National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Bayh-Dole regulations relevant to the University of Rochester’s decisions regarding its technology The FDA approval process was provided in order for the University of Rochester to fully consider the option of continuing research through clinical trials and ultimately carrying its compounds to market. Information regarding business models, such as direct market entry as a “start-up,” partnering, outright sale, initial public offering and venture capital was included. An overview of the competitive landscape of both the assay and compound market and the likely challenges of entrance into the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry was provided. The report concluded with recommendations regarding the DeaD Assay and compounds developed based cumulatively on the competitive landscape, available business model alternatives, licensing opportunities, and current competitor intellectual property. 


Title: University - Industry Sponsored Research Contract Term Analysis
Client: NYSTAR

This research report provides both academic institutions and private industry with information relevant to the efficient negotiation of reasonable and mutually beneficial sponsored research agreement terms. It seeks to reduce the amount of time negotiating agreements which delays and even precludes research collaborations between academic institutions and private industry.

The research team surveyed various private industries to identify practices that facilitate contract negotiation with respect to typically contentious issues. The report analyzes the surveys completed by companies in order to identify practices that facilitate contract negotiation between academic institutions and private industry with respect to typically contentious issues.


Title: State Intellectual Property Policies
Client: NYSTAR

This report discusses the role of state government in creating an atmosphere where University research and development can flourish and where the state can benefit from its investment in research. Research has been compiled to provide a potential resource for policy makers who are considering a comprehensive statewide intellectual property (“IP”) policy.

The report discusses the current environment of university IP commercialization. It reviews federal IP policies and industry push-back on university R&D. Information is provided concerning university technology transfer activities and factors from within and outside the University that affect local economic development. Data is provided showing total university IP expenditures, invention disclosures, filed patent applications, issued patents, start-up formations, license income, and finally, licenses and options executed.

The report summarizes the findings, guiding principles, objectives and recommendations from a California report written for policy makers who are considering a comprehensive state IP policy. It reviews current New York agencies’ IP policies, including SUNY, the Research Foundation, NYS College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University, CUNY and the CUNY Research Foundation, NYSTAR, and NYSERDA. The report discusses current New York Assembly activity with regard to a comprehensive state IP policy.

Finally, the IP policies of all fifty states in the US are canvassed, presenting their respective state policies, summaries of their university system IP policies and other relevant specialized funding agencies.

Title: Eastman Kodak Company: GEMS Technology
Client: Eastman Kodak Company

Kodak developed a technology comprised of a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device that can be used to modulate light. The technology can be employed in a variety of applications, such as electronic displays. The report included a technological overview of the device as well as a brief description of several competing display technologies. Potential markets were researched including consumer home display, gaming, medical image display, computer-aided design workstations, commercial motion picture theatres, advertising, 3-D projection and other stereoscopic technologies, and printing markets. A patent search for patents assigned to competitors or potential partners was executed. An overview of the governmental agencies and laws regulating lasers, laser products and radiation emitting products was provided. Finally, an analysis of the research and recommendations regarding commercialization, prospective market entry and licensing ventures involving the technology were provided. 



Overview of MEMS-Based Sensor Organizations Inside and Outside New York State
Client: Infotonics

Infotonics develops and prototypes microsystem concepts including design, microfabrication and device packaging. It provides support to facilitate microsystem commercialization. This report focused on MEMS technology that can be used to assist in detection and prevention of terrorist acts, including biological and chemical agents, explosives, and nuclear weapons. The report reviewed major types of terrorist threats and the sensor technology currently being explored and researched for addressing the threats. An overview of businesses, universities, laboratories and fabrication facilities currently engaged in MEMS-based sensor technology research was provided. Information about intellectual property and patents held by some of the organizations reviewed was outlined. Potential partnering opportunities based on the patent landscape were identified and analyzed.


Title: High Efficiency Linear Power Amplifier
Client: Anaren Inc.

This project focused on a technological innovation which would create a dramatically increased efficiency helpful to the functioning of cellular telephone base stations. The project reviewed the wireless industry, and how the new technology was relevant to the industry. It described the key players in the market sectors relating to the Client's proposed application. It provided extensive patent analysis of patents relevant to the proposed application and discussed various commercialization strategies including specific recommendations as to preferred approaches to commercialization.


Title: Sialic acid and N-acyl sialic acid analog production by fermentation of metabolically and genetically engineered Escheriachia coli
Client: Dr. Christopher Boddy, Syracuse University

This project analyzed applications for a new method of producing sialic acid. The report provided an overview of the physiological and pathological functions of sialic acid as well as its potential alternative applications. The report estimated the value of the intellectual property using the patented Competitive Advantage Valuation (CAV) method. CAV is a valuation method that takes into account the main determinants of technology values, and applies a combination of disaggregation and income valuation approaches to yield results. The development and commercialization analysis discussed strategies for pursuing future opportunities for the production and use of sialic acid, including a discussion of potential commercialization, licensing ventures, and prospective market entry. The report concluded with recommendations for future development and commercialization of the technology.


Title: Welch Allyn Communications Protocol
Client: Welch Allyn, Inc.

This project focused on options for introducing a universal communications protocol into the medical device market. It explored different markets as potential applications for the protocol, and made recommendations accordingly. It analyzed the technology, performed a business analysis, and provided case studies to illustrate relevant experiences of similar products. A legal and regulatory overview of consortia, FDA, HIPAA and anti-trust issues was provided. Finally, possible business models were discussed.


Title: Composite material manufacturing
Client: Composite Factory, Inc.

This project focused on making recommendations regarding market applications for a fiber composite material manufacturing company. It explored the process technology behind fiber composite products, and included an analysis of the relevant market and partnering opportunities with academic institutions, an analysis of relevant intellectual property analysis, and a review of government programs that might be of assistance to the Client's mission. Finally, recommendations for successful commercialization of a specific fiber composite product were made.


Title: Advanced Biological Wound Dressing
Client: SUNY Stony Brook Center for Biotechnology

This project focused on a technology that could significantly improve the healing of chronic wounds. The technology utilizes a provisional extracellular matrix ("SmartMatrix") to deliver fibronectin to the wound site, thereby encouraging fibroblast migration, a critical step in wound healing. The research compared SmartMatrix to other wound healing technologies, considered the market size and structure for chronic wound healing products, reviewed the patent protection for SmartMatrix and alternative technologies, described the FDA approval process for medical devices, and assessed the value of SmartMatrix technology for purposes of seed investment. The research also analyzed alternative business models for a start-up company to commercialize SmartMatrix technology.


Title: Photonic Biopsy Pill
Client: Infotonics New York State Center of Excellence

This project focused on technologies being developed by the City University of New York's Center for Photonic Applications. The research compared biopsy technology that utilizes photonics and spectral imaging with alternative technology platforms that utilize optical imaging and chemical detection. The report reviewed the market for biopsy pills and focused on detection of cancer in the upper digestive tract. In addition, the report reviewed the foundational science of photonic light emission and spectral imaging. The report concluded by considering which component parts are necessary for a photonic biopsy pill, which of these parts are available off-the-shelf, and which of these parts would require customized research and development.


Title: Biologue Continuous Glucose Monitoring System
Client: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Center for Automation Technologies

This project was undertaken on behalf of a start-up company with core patents covering an implantable glucose measuring device, a wireless signal transmitter, and a signal receiver and analyzer. The report discusses how the Biologue Continuous Glucose Monitoring ("CGM") system works and how it compares to alternative glucose monitoring technologies. The market section of the report provides information on the companies and products in the diabetes device market, and the regulation section provides information on FDA medical device regulation and the experimental use exemption to patent infringement under the Hatch-Waxman Act. The concluding sections of the report analyze the potential value of the Biologue CGM for seed investment and suggest alternative business models and commercialization strategies for bringing the Biologue technology to market.


Title: University-Industry Sponsored Research - Opportunities and Obstacles
Clients: Eastman Kodak, ITT Space Systems, Corning, University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology

This project was undertaken over two semesters. During the first semester, the research team studied the sponsored research web pages for 19 universities to determine universities' preferred contract terms and policies. When possible, the research team also interviewed sponsored research officials to confirm or clarify information from the web pages. The research focused on eight key issues in sponsored research agreements - equipment ownership, contract termination, confidentiality, ownership of discoveries, warranties and limitations of liability, publication, indemnification, and licensing. During the second semester, the research team surveyed a group of companies from different industries and of different sizes to determine their contract preferences and policies on these same key issues. The final report will be published by the New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research.


Title: Natural Language Processing Technology for Analysis of Medical Records
Client: Columbia University Center for Advanced Information Management

This project reviewed the state-of-the-art in natural language processing (NLP) as applied to medical records, the Columbia University NLP medical record technology (MedLEE), FDA requirements for validation of medical device software and approval of MedLEE by software standards committees. The project also considered the pros and cons of commercializing MedLEE technology through a spin-off company or through licensing; and, in the case of licensing, the market segments in which the MedLEE would have the highest valued applications. The report concluded with a valuation of MedLEE technology and suggestions for commercialization strategies.


Title: Intellectual Property Management Practices in Complex Research Environments
Client: Rochester Institute of Technology Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies

This research project analyzed the creation, protection and management of intellectual property in complex research environments that include faculty, students, industry funding and industry researchers, and government funding and government researchers. The report suggested six best practices for intellectual property management and ten specific steps to achieve these best practices. To maximize the capture of intellectual property, the report suggested reporting form templates, procedures and timetables.


Title: DNA Computer Sensor Technology
Client: Royal Philips Electronics

This project explored a futuristic in vivo medical diagnostic technology capable of detecting genetic markers associated with particular diseases, and, in the event that genetic markers are detected, releasing drugs to treat the diseases. The report included information on alternative non-invasive and invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, gene therapy technologies, the FDA regulation of medical devices and the companies and research centers most actively engaged in DNA diagnostic and therapeutic research. The report also included an analysis of the principal DNA diagnostic and delivery patents.


Title: Six Degrees of Freedom Sensor Market Applications
Client: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

This project studied a novel non-contact sensor technology (Six DOF sensor) that is able to determine both the position of an object in the x, y and z axes and the rotation of the object around each of these axes with micron-level accuracy. The Six DOF sensor is lightweight, small and inexpensive. The research project included a technical comparison of the Six DOF sensor to sensors currently being used, and research on five potential applications: industrial automation, aviation quality control, remote surgery, medical rehabilitation, and augmented and virtual environments. The size, structure, consumers and suppliers for each of these markets were reviewed, The report concluded with suggestions for various forms of partnership arrangements with firms in each of these markets.


Title: Orthoswitch Technology
Client: OrthoSystems, Inc.

This project was undertaken on behalf of a start-up company with multiple issued and pending patents. It focused on a technology for the detection of waterborne pathogens such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia and toxins such as ricin. The Orthoswitch technology is an aptamer-based detection technology capable of performing real-time continuous detection of toxins and microbial pathogens in water systems. The report compared the Orthoswitch technology to alternative technologies, reviewed the involuntary and voluntary water testing markets, provided an in-depth analysis of the EPA's water testing regulations and their potential to create new market opportunities, and concluded with a discussion of possible strategic alliances that could be formed in different market segments.


Title: Physician Office Ultrasonic Imaging
Client: Welch Allyn, Inc.

This project was undertaken on behalf of a major medical device manufacturing company. The research analyzed the prospect of a hand-held, inexpensive ultrasound device available for primary care physicians. The report reviewed the basic science underlying ultrasound technology, the growth and driving forces in the ultrasound market, the factors that would influence the purchase of ultrasound equipment by primary care physicians, and the legal and insurance concerns that might affect primary care physicians' willingness and ability to utilize ultrasound technology. It also reviewed the universities with active research programs in the field of ultrasound technology and identified potential licensing partners based on their core competencies, patent portfolios and corporate profiles.


Title: Displacement Flow Immunoassay Technology.
Client: Naval Research Laboratory

This project focused on a novel immunoassay technology (DFI) that is rapid and highly sensitive, and does not require incubation steps or the use of additional reagents. The final report discusses the basic operation of the DFI technology and the series of patents that have been issued on DFI technology. The report then considers four potential applications of the DFI technology - monitoring food safety and purity, monitoring administration of therapeutic drugs, detection of explosives and detection of air-borne pathogens. The report reviews the regulation of pesticides, herbicides, organic foods and organic food programs, and concludes that the DFI technology could be especially valuable in agricultural applications. The report also included suggestions on ways to introduce DFI technology into these high-value agricultural markets.


Title: Conversion of PDF Files to SGML/XML Formats
99Client: AMCon, LLC

This report was undertaken for a start-up company in a local business incubator. The technology studied in the report consists of a set of document conversion tools that can be used to facilitate the processing of legacy paper and electronic documents into industry standard SGML/XML formats. The report reviews competing approaches to document conversion and the military and commercial document conversion markets. Because the client company was involved in subcontract work for a large defense contractor, the report provided considerable information on the protection of trade secrets and non-disclosure agreements. The report also explains the general requirements for patenting software algorithms.