Archive for the ‘technology commercialization’ Category

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Technology Transfer in Operation at Connecticut Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

We see universities as places where people are trained to provide manpower for various industries. Actually, universities have another role, research, which also can help industries. Many of the research findings that emerge in university labs might have practical applications.

For the practical applications to materialize, however, the technology should be applied to produce things that have a market. In addition, the technology needs to be transferred from labs into production floors. This typically involves scaling up the lab processes into full-fledged production processes.

Applying new technology to develop marketable products, and the engineering involved in scaling up lab operations to production operations, is basically what we call as commercialization of technology.

In Connecticut, schools are working with state and industry officials to create incubator programs for businesses in the high technology areas such as biotechnology that can, for example, help develop more effective treatments for diseases.

An example is the University of Bridgeport that has the largest engineering school in the state. Its faculty and students are involved in major research projects, such as a project to develop unmanned aerial vehicles for the army.

The University has now joined Connecticut Innovations Inc. (CII), the state’s quasi-public authority for technology investing and innovation development, to set up CTech IncUBator that has begun accepting applications from hopeful entrepreneurs.

Read the full report at conntact.com.

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Posted in business, mentoring, skills training, technology commercialization | No Comments »

Re-Awakening Innovation in the United States of America Saturday, May 1st, 2010

USA had prospered through innovation and it has now reached a level of prosperity and influence that every nation in the world wants to have a special relationship with it. However, the US has also suffered from too much “financial innovation” that led to an economic near-death experience.

Normally, people and organizations might not consider the present depressed economic scenario the ideal one for ambitious investments, particularly long-term investments such as in science and technology. On the other hand, many companies and organizations think that the present is the best time for such investments. The company Intel and the university Caltech belong to this group.

In a news release, Intel  speaks of encouraging new approaches to the vital issues in our society where science and technology can make a contribution. They also note that there is a similar focus in many research institutions and innovative companies across the US, and that together with parallel developments in public policy, there is reason for excitement and hope for the country.

Intel, for example, renewed its commitment to investing in the future at the intersection of technology and education. The company invests in longer-term and exploratory research with U.S. universities seeking breakthroughs not only in semiconductor technology but also in new applications and uses for information technology. In this process, they encourage university students to become the engineers and scientists that create tomorrow’s technology.

At Calech, educational and research initiatives are inspiring some of the world’s best minds to focus on game-changing technologies in critical areas such as energy and health.

At government level, the Obama Administration is rethinking federal innovation policy. The President’s “Strategy for American Innovation” released in the fall of 2009 recognizes that “a short-term view of the economy masks under-investments in essential drivers of sustainable, broadly shared growth”.

Read a news release at Huffington Post.

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Posted in business, corporate responsibility, emerging technologies, innovation, patenting, technology commercialization | 1 Comment »

Reserve Batteries and Nanotechnology Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

Reserve batteries are inactive batteries that can be activated in different ways. The basic principle of these batteries is to keep the electrolyte and electrode separate till activation becomes necessary. The activation can be initiated with water, air, heat and mechanical means.

Reserve batteries are different from backup batteries in that the latter are already active. The continued activated state can result in exhaustion of the power. Reserve batteries can carry their power for years till activated.

Reserve batteries find applications in varied contexts, including military applications, consumer products and advanced systems.

The traditional reserve batteries needed separate storage for the electrolyte and some mechanical means to bring it into contact with the electrode for activation. It was difficult to miniaturize it and the mechanical activation also meant slow power ramp up. These traditional batteries cannot also be integrated into microprocessor chips.

New generation nancotechnology based reserve batteries claim to eliminate these handicaps. Using nanoscale components, miniaturization is no problem. Nanotechnology also makes it possible to achieve the controlled chemical reactions involved in power generation in ways compatible with semiconductor processing, and do it far more quickly.

Read about the technology at mPhase Technologies website.

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Posted in energy generation, energy storage, nanotechnology, technology commercialization | 1 Comment »

Case Study of New Technology Commercialization Strategy Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

Arrowhead Research Corporation focuses on commercializing nanotech developments in life sciences and electronics. The company’s majority-owned subsidiary, Unidym, seeks to develop carbon nanotube applications in electronics. The focus of another subsidiary, Calando, is on clinical application of RNAi delivery technology.

Arrowhead has now appointed nobel-prize winning cancer biology expert, Dr Lee Hartwell, to its Scientific Advisory Board. He had received the nobel for his work on cell cycle regulation. His insights into cell cycle control are being utilized by the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center of Seattle and others to develop treatment for cancer and other diseases.

Dr Hartwell says that he is committed to improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs through improved molecular diagnostics. He believes that Arrowhead has the potential to bring together the technologies that can implement molecular diagnostics at the point of care.

Arrowhead’s Scientific Advisory Board now consists of Drs. Chad Mirkin, Mauro Ferrari, and Tom Tombrello in addition to Dr Hartwell. According to the news release, these scientists are the prolific pioneers in nanotechnology and medicine in the world. The board is now tasked with developing a roadmap for Arrowhead CEO to estatblish the company as the preeminent outlet for commercializing revolutionary advances in the field.

In broad terms, the task of the board includes: Providing broad sceintific direction, Providing very specific recommendations on technologies that could serve as the basis for new companies, Recruiting world-class personnel for Arrowhead and its subsidiaries, and Helping Arrowhead establish partnerships with academia and industry.

Read the full news release at Market Watch.

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Posted in business, nanomedicine, nanotechnology, technology commercialization | No Comments »

Terahertz Technology Opens New Opportunities Saturday, April 10th, 2010

Terahertz radiation is loosely defined as the band of electro-magnetic spectrum between infrared and microwave, from 300 GHz to about 10 THz. A range of developments in photonics, electronics and nanotechnology that have occurred since the 1990’s have opened the possibility of using terahertz technology. Potential areas of commercial application include security, communication, non-destructive evaluation, medicine and electronics.

Terahertz waves are reflected by metallic surfaces and absorbed by water. Most other materials let the radiation pass through in varying degrees. Terahertz technology based systems can provide both images and spectroscopic data, and ranging data to measure layer thicknesses, even in structures with many layers.

Modern developments in photonics, electronics and nanotechnology have made it possible to reduce the bulk of terahertz systems, and also make these easier to use. It is even possible to develop systems that are small and robust enough to be sent through the mail.

Focus is now shifting to developing applications that can exploit the extraordinary versatility of the terahertz band. A wide variety of applications in manufacturing, food, biomedicine, security, imaging and other areas are being foreseen. For example, in manufacturing the technology can be used for process control, product inspection and material evaluation.

The ability of terahertz waves to penetrate a great range of materials is its main advantage. It has been used to peer though the contents of a bottle of tablets to check their quality, without disturbing the contents.

Read more details and of possible applications at Industry Week.

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Posted in business, innovation, nanotechnology, technology commercialization | No Comments »

International Industrial Biotechnology Network Inaugurated Saturday, April 3rd, 2010

An international industrial biotechnology network with the goal of assisting its members in accessing and developing biotechnologies for sustainable industrial development was inaugurated on March 29 by UNIDO in Vienna. The network consists of research institutes and technology groups committed to sharing technology and expertise resources.

Institute of Plant Biotechnology for Developing Countries and the University of Ghent (Belgium) are the organizers of the event. Incidentally, this year 2010 has been declared the International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations. UNIDO Director-General, Kandeh K. Yumkella, will open the event.

Focus of the network will be on the new opportunities for development of value-added products using biomass and bio-diversity that biotechnology makes possible. Participants at the symposium will look at several issues such as technological developments, implications of technology transfer and emerging global trends.

Bio-products and bio-processes suitable for regions affected by climate change and ecological erosion will also be a focus area.

Read about the new network at iibn website.

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Posted in biotechnology, business, environment, technology commercialization | No Comments »

Biotechnology Revolution will Exceed Internet Revolution in its Impact Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

According to experts, biotechnology will change the shape of things more extensively than what the Internet have done. Biotech companies are already driving economic growth and innovation.

A book titled “The Coming Biotech Age” by Richard Oliver, author of “The Shape of Things to Come” provides an accessible overview of biotechnology business, its implications for all industries and the vast opportunities, according to a review.

The completion of the Human Genome project will increasingly lay bare the genetic basis of various diseases and and physical problems. Biotechnology works with genes and is proving itself capable of finding cures for the diseases and problems, at a more fundamental level than earlier symptoms based treatment.

And working at gene levels can also change the charateristics of organisms, such as crops and animals. Crops that are more pest resistant and higher yielding have already appeared in the market. So have opposition to them on the grounds of suspected health impact. As things develop, their shape can indeed take a very different form.

According to Amazon.com review, the book goes far into the possibilities of altering and creating new “bioterials” and even inoorganic new materials.

The Coming Biotech Age

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Posted in biotechnology, business, crop science, diseases, genetic modification, technology commercialization | No Comments »

Nanotechnology Industry Development: Several Obstacles Monday, March 29th, 2010

Nanotechnology involves working at the levels of atoms and molecules. At nanoscale, properties of materials can change from what they are in normal state. Neutral materials can exhibit toxicity at nano scale, for example.

Nanomaterials and the technology can also affect environment, and raise social and ethical issues. Regulatory oversignt is needed to ensure that the technology is handled responsibly. The problem is that regulators typically do not know what to regulate in this new field.

Regulations can often hinder the development of the technology and industry. In a recent example, a “diabetes phone” that used biotechnology developments to help patients to check their blood-sugar levels, and then use information technology developments to seek remote treatment from doctors, could not be successfully marketed in Korea as local medical regulations did not allow remote treatment.

Business funding practices might also not be helpful for development of industry using such innovative and unproven technologies. A study in India found that funding stopped at academic research stage. Bureaucratic procedures involved in releasing government funding discourages entrepreneurs in such new technologies.

Developing countries also face the problem of inadequate venture capital availability to fund enterprises in new technologies. Typically, entrepreneurs have to depend on private funding.

Knowledge transfer from academia to manufacturing industry is also not well-developed in these new technologies.

Read about a study conducted in India on nanotech industry development problems in a dnaindia report.

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Posted in business, emerging technologies, environment, nanotech business, nanotechnology, technology commercialization | No Comments »

Industrial Convergence Faces Legal and other Obstacles Sunday, March 28th, 2010

Recently the Ministry of Knowledge Economy in Korea announced that it is crafting legislation to overcome the obstacles in the way of developing industrial convergence. By industrial convergence is meant the coming together of different technologies, nanotechnology, information technology, biotechnology and cognitive science, to develop and market products of value.

The Ministry cited as example the problems faced by a recent product, the “diabetes phone” that allowed users to check their blood-sugal levels and get remote treatment from doctors. The product combined the latest in biotechnology and information technology. However, inadequate sales and existing regulations on medical treatment forced the product off the market.

Government categorized the device as medical equipment and did not allow remote treatment owing to safety concerns.

Convergence of technologies are bringing many innovative solutions into the market, which are being exploited by companies in the advanced economies such as those of U.S., Europe and Japan. However, outdated legal and institutional factors prevent their development in many other countries.

Korea wants to get out of this situation and has formed a committee to craft new legislation that will tap the synergies possible through convergence of industries. If each industry goes on its own traditional path, the benefits of such synergy will be lost to the society.

Korea wants to adopt policies that will allow deregulation, R&D support for local companies and commercialization of convergence technologies.

Read the news at JoongAngDaily.

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Posted in business, emerging technologies, industrial convergence, technology commercialization | No Comments »

Analytica 2010 will Showcase the latest in Analytical and Laboratory Work Friday, March 19th, 2010

The 22nd International Analytica Trade Fair for Laboratory Technology, Analysis and Biotechnology will be held during March 23-26, 2010 at New Munich Trade Fair Centre, Munich. Exhibitors offering solutions in chemistry, biochemistry, food chemistry, clinical chemistry and the life sciences will be showcasing their offerings.

The Analytica trade fair is held once every two years. Marketable products and solutions, as well as innovations, will be on offer at the fair. Visitors can also visit the Analytica conference during March 23-25, which will be focusing on the theme “Talking Science – Today’s Knowledge for Tomorrow’s Applications” this year. Conference topics will include ‘measuring fine particles’, ‘toxicology of fine particles’, ‘chemical analysis of art objects’ and ‘how analysis techniques can help to treat diabetes.’

Related events include ‘Finance Day’ revolving around funding and financing opportunities for new companies, and ‘Job Day’ that will bring together companies and potential employees looking for jobs. There will also be a series of presentations on innovations and best practices ‘by industry for the industry’ every day.

Also on offer will be training courses for Basic Quality Management Course for Laboratory Employees, Basics of Gas Chromatography, Key Laboratory Performance Indicators for Controlling and Benchmarking, HPLC Methods Development and Optimization, Hygiene and Monitoring, Basics of Infrared Spectroscopy, Legal Security for Laboratory Directors. The consulting firm Klinkner & Partner will be covering the topics.

Analytica website provides more information for exhibitors, visitors and journalists.

The 22nd International Analytica Trade Fair for Laboratory Technology, Analysis and Biotechnology will be held during March 23-26, 2010 at New Munich Trade Fair Centre, Munich. Exhibitors offering solutions in chemistry, biochemistry, food chemistry, clinical chemistry and the life sciences will be showcasing their offerings.

The Analytica trade fair is held once every two years. Marketable products and solutions, as well as innovations, will be on offer at the fair. Visitors can also visit the Analytica conference during March 23-25, which will be focusing on the theme “Talking Science – Today’s Knowledge for Tomorrow’s Applications” this year. Conference topics will include ‘measuring fine particles’, ‘toxicology of fine particles’, ‘chemical analysis of art objects’ and ‘how analysis techniques can help to treat diabetes.’

Related events include ‘Finance Day’ revolving around funding and financing opportunities for new companies, and ‘Job Day’ that will bring together companies and potential employees looking for jobs. There will also be a series of presentations on innovations and best practices ‘by industry for the industry’ every day.

Also on offer will be training courses for Basic Quality Management Course for Laboratory Employees, Basics of Gas Chromatography, Key Laboratory Performance Indicators for Controlling and Benchmarking, HPLC Methods Development and Optimization, Hygiene and Monitoring, Basics of Infrared Spectroscopy, Legal Security for Laboratory Directors. The consulting firm Klinkner & Partner will be covering the topics.

Analytica website provides more information for exhibitors, visitors and journalists.

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Posted in biotechnology, business, nanotechnology, technology commercialization | No Comments »

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