Get Help with Technology Commercialization

The University of Akron Research Foundation (UARF) offer several ways to help with commercialization of inventions and research.

NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) is a suite of activities and programs that guide inventors and researchers to explore the commercial potential of their technologies through customer interviews, market research, and feedback from experienced business mentors.

The University of Akron | Proof of Concept Initiative

The Proof of Concept Initiative is a UA program that reviews, evaluates, and funds university technologies that have specific prototyping or testing needs to get to the next stage. The program will allow UA applicants to apply for funds two to three times each year with funding amounts up to $50,000.

Other funding sources

Federal and state agencies offer grants for technology commercialization, including funding activities such as prototyping, testing, and market research.

Contact UA's Office of Technology Transfer

• Researchers to examine ways students across globe can collaborate on STEM work
  Dr. Shivakumar Sastry receives National Science Foundation funding to develop prototype with applications beyond STEM education.
• Mussels inspire development of waterproof adhesives
  National Science Foundation grant supports UA researchers efforts to develop a synthetic mimic of mussel adhesives using soybean oil — a renewable resource.
• UA polymer, chemistry professor receives lifetime achievement award from French university
  George R. Newkome has worked with scholars at the University of Bordeaux for more than 20 years.