YSU partners with UA to promote licensing and tech development

Technology developed in Youngstown could be
marketed on a regional basis.

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University has formed a partnership with the University of Akron Research Foundation (UARF) to promote technology development and licensing in Northeast Ohio.

The effort is aimed at creating economic growth in the region by more effectively assessing and commercializing the technology developed at both universities.

“This agreement is yet another indication of Northeast Ohio universities’ willingness and ability to work together for the benefit of the region,” said Kenneth Preston, Akron’s director of technology transfer.

“For years, we have been talking about the role our universities play as catalysts for technology and economic growth in Northeast Ohio,” said Dr. Peter Kasvinsky, YSU associate provost for research. “This research collaboration is tangible evidence of our continuing commitment to the region and the enthusiastic support of YSU President David C. Sweet.”

The University of Akron announced a similar agreement with Cleveland State University in November.

Under the agreements, UARF is providing technology, commercialization and intellectual property management services, including the evaluation of products and technologies for commercialization, negotiating and administering contracts to transfer commercialization rights in intellectual property and technology, identifying collaboration opportunities among universities and private companies and supporting emerging enterprises.

Officials at YSU, Akron and Cleveland State have invited other Northeast Ohio institutions to consider similar collaboration, suggesting that future agreements could lead to the formation of a regional research foundation to provide services to interested collaborators.

Unlike typical university organizations, research foundations are affiliated nonprofit groups that can hold equity in start-up companies, enter into independent contracts and manage technology licenses.

UARF won the University Economic Development Association’s National 2007 Award of Excellence in Technology Commercialization and was named an “exemplary” technology transfer institution in a study conducted for the National Science Foundation.

UARF has increased Akron’s research funding almost $6 million in the past four years, helped create 21 companies and assisted many more.

“Our collaboration with Youngstown State and Cleveland State will provide even greater opportunities to build on the strengths and success of all institutions for the benefit of the region” said George Newkome, University of Akron Vice President for Research and president of UARF.