The University of Toledo

About Tech Transfer

An invention is a new configuration, composition of matter, device, or process. Some inventions are based on pre-existing models or ideas, and others are radical breakthroughs, which extend the boundaries of human knowledge or experience.

The University of Toledo continues to make great progress in transferring novel ideas and technologies from the University to the marketplace.

It is important for these inventions to be translated for the public good and for the University to contribute to the revitalization of our region. This is a central theme of The University of Toledo’s Strategic Plan.

Inventing something is a highly creative and exploratory process, with an outcome that is uncertain or unknown. The first step in the inventive process is the initial idea. Inspiration can start the process, but no matter how complete the initial idea is, inventions typically have to be further developed.

The University of Toledo technology transfer group works with faculty, staff, and students to help identify the value of basic ideas and inventions and to bring these new technologies to the marketplace for the benefit of humankind.

Our office encourages faculty, staff and students to document discoveries and/or ideas and work to further develop them in order to transform the discoveries and/or ideas into inventions that will ultimately improve the human condition.

In order to ensure that we provide the faculty, staff and students with the best service, we have implemented the following vision and mission statements.

Vision Statement
We will maximize the conversion of university research, scholarship and creative activity into public use in order to improve the human condition.

Mission Statement
The mission of UT’s Technology Transfer is to:
1.  Support UT’s mission to improve the human condition;
2.  Provide accessible, responsive, competent, timely and professional patenting and licensing services to
     UT’s faculty, staff, and students;
3.  Serve as an efficient and effective conduit for the licensing of promising UT technologies to industry to promote
     their entry into the commercial marketplace to:

         * attract and retain the highest quality faculty and students
         * increase and expand UT’s research  enterprise
         * create and reinforce commercial relationships
         * generate institutional acclaim and recognition, and
         * provide an additional revenue stream

4.  Support and encourage local economic development by licensing locally, by licensing to start-up companies, by
     favoring licenses to faculty start-up companies, and by encouraging and supporting faculty start-up activities.
5.  Serve as a resource for information about patents and licensing and to encourage recognition that such matters
     have become meaningful and valuable aspects of academic life and education, and
6.  Encourage greater integration and increased sponsored research activity between academia and industry to
     improve the flow of innovative university technologies to the public marketplace.