Cornell shakes up its tech transfer

Cornell University is making changes to its technology transfer initiatives to bolster commercialisation through the development of a new framework.

Seeing the establishment of new roles and responsibilities at Cornell, the initiative will further the activities of units involved with technology development, establishment of strategic alliances, and the advancement of student entrepreneurship.

As part of the upgrade, Cornell’s tech transfer office, Cornell Centre for Technology Enterprise and Commercialisation will become Centre for Technology Licensing. The unit will continue to euncover and develop intellectual property at Cornell, foster economic development in the surrounding area, and obtain patents and licenses for the university.

Senior vice provost for research and vice president for technology transfer at Cornell Robert Buhrman said that the changes build on a decade’s worth of greater opportunities for tech transfer and entrepreneurship at the institution.

Buhrman added: “The founding of Cornell Tech, the McGovern Family Centre for Venture Development in the Life Sciences, the opening of Rev Ithaca Startup Works and the development of the vigorous student Entrepreneurship at Cornell program are indicators of the progress we’ve made. We are changing the university’s strategy to lead technology transfer and commercialisation of intellectual property developed by researchers to benefit the world.”