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The tech transfer process takes technology or knowledge developed in one place for one purpose, and then applies/uses it in another place for the same or different purpose. Some of the more recognizable spinoffs have come from NASA: memory foam, scratch-resistant glasses, cordless vacuums, and GPS just to name a few.
Federal Technology Transfer (T2) legislation has been in place since 1980 to facilitate the transfer of federally developed technologies to the private sector as well as academic institutions and state & local governments.
The Department of the Navy, similar to its sister services, has a Tech Transfer Program to help industry members collaborate on IP and product development through a variety of avenues. What if your company is interested in having the Navy help you test and evaluate your tech? Or perhaps you want to take Navy IP and start a company or partner with the Navy to increase opportunities for your region to work on dual-use technology?
Lisa Ouakil, Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) Offices of Research and Technology Applications (ORTA) representative, said there are multiple mechanisms for industry to partner with them.
“We can leverage Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) to collaborate with non-federal entities in research and development, as well as license agreements that allow us to license federally developed inventions or software,” Ouakil explained. “There are some basic steps and those are outlined on the T2 website, but it begins with identifying your technology needs and exploring naval resources. Then, contact your ORTA representative, and if you’re working with NAWCTSD, I am your contact.”
She also noted there are several ways for potential partners to explore the Navy’s capabilities and technologies. The Navy T2 site shares information on all the Office of Naval Research (ONR) designated laboratories.
“Additionally, at NAWCTSD, we publish a more in-depth view with summaries of our active R&D projects and lab capabilities annually in our compendium,” Ouakil explained.
Other Opportunities for Tech Transfer With the Army and Air Force
The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory Technology Transfer Program office promotes and supports the transfer of DEVCOM ARL-developed Intellectual Property from the laboratory to the private sector, through the establishment of strategic partnerships and promotion of research opportunities, facilities, and capabilities, for the benefit of both DEVCOM ARL and the nation. The T2 office works to find entrepreneurs, businesses, and technologists to transition technologies to the commercial market.
The Air Force Technology Transfer Program was created to ensure all Air Force science and engineering activities promote the transfer or exchange of technology with state and local governments, academia, and industry. These activities enhance the economic competitiveness of industry and promote the productivity of state and local governments while leveraging the Department of Defense (DoD) research and development investment.
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