SU launches commercialization of research across New York state

SU launches commercialization of research across New York stateJanuary 26, 2009Jaclyn D. Grossojgrosso@law.syr.edu

At a time when regional economic stimulus is needed, Syracuse University College of Law’s New Technology Law Center (SUNTEC) is supporting the launch of Technology Commercialization Clinics (TCCs) across the state. On Jan. 28, leaders from Niagara University, the Rochester Institute of Technology and Stony Brook University will visit the SU College of Law for a 10 a.m. ceremony and discussions about the new TCCs at their schools. The TCCs seek to transform research and inventions into marketable products for regional companies and drive growth in the area.

This new model consists of utilizing graduate programs in law, engineering, business and other disciplines to provide technical, marketing and legal research and analysis to early-stage companies and universities endeavoring to bring new technologies to market. Participation in such a program offers graduate students in New York state a unique opportunity to study technology commercialization in a real-world setting while providing client organizations with valuable research and analysis.

The new New York state TTCs will be modeled on the existing SU College of Law Technology Commercialization Research Center (TCRC) established at SU College of Law by law professor Ted Hagelin more than 20 years ago. The TCRC was the first program in the country specifically designed to train law and other graduate-level students in the field of technology commercialization. The development of the new TCCs is the direct result of two $125,000 grants obtained by Assemblyman William Magnarelli (D-120).

“The expansion of the Technology Commercialization Clinics to Niagara University, RIT and Stony Brook University is a great example of institutions of higher education partnering with businesses to enhance local job markets and establish connections that will encourage graduating students to stay in Upstate New York,” says Magnarelli. “I am proud to have secured $250,000 in grants to develop this program. All of New York state will continue to benefit from the research and analysis these students offer to homegrown companies and laboratories as they study technology commercialization.”

“We are very grateful for Assemblyman Magnarelli’s continued support of this important statewide economic development initiative,” says Hagelin. “We are pleased at the willingness of other universities in New York state to create a network of Technology Commercialization Clinics to support new technologies and promote economic growth across the state.”

“Niagara University is excited to be part of this important initiative,” says Steven Mayer, director of Niagara University’s technology commercialization clinic. “The TCC can be an important tool to assist in the continued economic development of the city of Niagara Falls and the Western New York region.”

“RIT is delighted to participate in the new SUNTEC-developed Technology Commercialization Clinic. We have been actively involved in technology commercialization activities for many years, but SUNTEC provides a unique opportunity for us to collaborate, benchmark and learn within a network of similarly motivated universities,” says Richard DeMartino, who is the director of the Simone Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at RIT. “The Rochester region, which has struggled with the declines of its traditional employers, has a wide range of unique technology portfolios. The TCC serves as a dynamic program seeking to commercialize these activities.”

“The Center for Biotechnology at Stony Brook University aligns the TCC concept with direct investments in research infrastructure, technology development and workforce training,” says Joseph Scaduto, assistant director of business development at the New York State Center for Biotechnology at Stony Brook University. “The unique business development capabilities and customized assistance the TCC can deploy on behalf of emerging technology companies are critical to this comprehensive strategy meant to advance an innovation-based economy throughout New York state.”

Since its inception, the SU TCRC has undertaken more than 100 technology commercialization research projects on behalf of large, medium, small and start-up companies, universities, federal research laboratories and technology development organizations. The grant is funded by the Empire State Development Corp.

Syracuse University College of Law also serves as the NYSTAR-designated New York State Science & Technology Law Center.

For more information, visit http://nys-stlc.syr.edu/.