The Office of Technology Development works to translate research discoveries into products such as better medicines, novel devices, and innovative methods. We strive to foster the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship among WMed faculty while simultaneously engaging the larger business community.
- What are some general guidelines about working with industry?
The Office of Technology Development understands the value of the local investment community. To this end, the OTD hosts a variety of events throughout each year to help inventors engage with both angel capital groups and venture capitalists (VCs). The WMed Innovation Center and the OTD are the center of an entrepreneurial ecosystem where such interactions encompass diverse industries and investment groups, build mutual respect and trust, and foster efficient communication. Our practices aim to facilitate meaningful relationships which result in mutual benefits as outlined below:
Benefits to our Industry and Investment Partners:
- Access to innovative technologies that can form the basis for new products and/or companies
- Access to WMed scientists and clinicians who can provide their technical and medical expertise and valuable opinions on products and markets
Benefits to the Office of Technology Development:- Evaluate new technologies for their commercial potential
- Provide service to WMed faculty, fellows, students, and staff
Benefits to WMed:- Faculty retention and recruitment
- Community Engagement
- Research Funding
- Employment opportunities for fellows and graduate students
Benefits to all organizations:- Financial returns
- Regional economic development
- Attribution and recognition
- I have been approached by a company that wants me to do research. What should I do?
WMed's Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) manages Sponsored Research Agreements (SRAs) for WMed investigators and has the appropriate templates for such contracts. Sponsored Programs Administration works with the Office of Technology Development to review SRAs that pertain to intellectual property rights.
- I have been approached by a company to be a consultant. What should I do?
Before entering into a consulting agreement or other contract that involves the development of or affect rights to an invention in which WMed may have an interest, you must first consult with and obtain the approval of the IP Committee. Contact the OTD to begin the process.
- I have been contacted by a scientist at another institution who wants research material from my lab. What should I do?
If the material relates to an invention that has been disclosed to the Office of Technology Development, please contact the Office of Technology Development. If not, contact the Sponsored Programs Administration and a Materials Transfer Agreement will be drafted.
- What is a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA)?
The MTA defines the rights of the provider and the recipient with respect to the materials and any derivatives. Biological materials, including animals, reagents, cell lines, plasmids and vectors, are the most frequently transferred materials. MTAs may also be used for other types of materials, such as chemical compounds and even some types of software. The transfer of patient samples requires special conditions. Contact Sponsored Programs Administration for assistance.
MTAs that involve the transfer of materials from a company often contain stringent clauses about ownership of the materials and any data or intellectual property derived from the use of the materials.