UA and YSU to Collaborate on Technology Development

Akron, Ohio, Jan. 3, 2008 — Youngstown State University has become the second Northeast Ohio university to collaborate with the University of Akron Research Foundation (UARF) to promote technology development and licensing in Northeast Ohio.

The partnership is aimed at creating economic growth in the region by more effectively assessing and commercializing the technology developed at both universities.

“This agreement is yet another indication of Northeast Ohio universities' willingness and ability to work together for the benefit of the region,” says Kenneth Preston, UA's director of technology transfer.

“For years, we have been talking about the role our universities play as catalysts for technology and economic growth in Northeast Ohio,” says Dr. Peter Kasvinsky, YSU associate provost for research. “This research collaboration is tangible evidence of our continuing commitment to the region and the enthusiastic support of YSU President David C. Sweet.”

The University of Akron announced a similar agreement with Cleveland State University Nov. 6.

Under the YSU and CSU agreements, UARF is providing technology, commercialization and intellectual property management services, including:

• Evaluating products and technologies for commercialization or other technology transfer opportunities.

• Negotiating and administering contracts to transfer commercialization rights in intellectual property and technology.

• Identifying collaboration opportunities among universities and private companies.

• Supporting emerging enterprises.

Officials at UA, CSU and YSU invite other Northeast Ohio institutions to consider similar collaboration, adding that future agreements could lead to the formation of a regional research foundation to provide services to interested collaborators. Pat Gaughan, business community liaison in the YSU Office of Graduate Studies and Research, is UARF's point of contact at YSU.

Unlike typical university organizations, research foundations are affiliated non-profit groups that can hold equity in start-up companies, enter into independent contracts and manage technology licenses.

UARF won the University Economic Development Association's National 2007 Award of Excellence in Technology Commercialization. UA ranks first in Ohio in rate of return per research dollar and was named an “exemplary” technology transfer institution in a study conducted for the National Science Foundation.

In quantifying UARF's success, University of Akron Vice President for Research George Newkome said that UARF has increased UA research funding almost $6 million in the past four years, helped create 21 companies and assisted many more.

“At The University of Akron, we have benefited from UARF's expertise for nearly seven years,” said Newkome, who is also the president of UARF. “Our collaboration with Youngstown State and Cleveland State will provide even greater opportunities to build on the strengths and success of all institutions for the benefit of the region.”

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