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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: 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.


Sample TCRC report: