Discoveries on The Rise at IU
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThere are more positive signs for innovation in Indiana. The Indiana University Research and Technology Corp. says invention disclosures by faculty and researchers have nearly doubled in the past three years. The school says the 230 discoveries in Fiscal Year 2012 range from methods to extend battery life to fungus that helps plants grow in polluted wetlands. An invention disclosure is the first step toward commercializing an invention.
July 17, 2013
News Release
Indianapolis, Ind. — Indiana University faculty and researchers have nearly doubled the number of invention disclosures in the past three years.
According to the IU Research and Technology Corp., a not-for-profit agency that assists IU faculty and researchers in realizing the commercial potential of their discoveries, invention disclosures have nearly doubled from 131 in FY 2009 to 230 in FY 2012.
An invention disclosure is an important part of the discovery process and is the first step toward developing a commercialization and licensing strategy. All IU faculty and researchers must complete an invention disclosure for any invention created or discovery realized through the use of university funds, equipment and/or facilities. Once the discovery or invention is publicly disclosed, faculty and researchers have one year to file a patent in the United States. Public disclosures include publishing journal articles or information on the Internet, giving presentations and interviews, or submitting nonconfidential grant applications.
“We are committed to helping IU faculty and researchers move their discoveries from the university to the marketplace in an effort to promote scholarship, economic development and additional research opportunities,” said Marie Kerbeshian, IURTC vice president of technology commercialization. “When a faculty member contacts us with an invention disclosure, we work closely with them to develop their ideas along the commercialization pathway.”
While a majority of the invention disclosures are completed by faculty and researchers on the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and IU Bloomington campuses, the IURTC fosters collaboration from faculty and researchers at seven IU campuses. Each campus is provided with a technology manager who will discuss the potential of inventions with faculty and researchers as well as help them understand the technology evaluation process.
Over the past three years, the IURTC has seen a wide breadth of invention disclosures from IU faculty and researchers such as:
• A disinfecting solution to preserve arson investigation samples.
• New molecules to treat emphysema.
• Methods to enhance and prolong battery life.
• Fungus to help plants grow in polluted wetlands.
The IURTC Office of Technology Commercialization also works with foundations and companies to help them develop strong research relationships with IU's faculty to benefit all parties.
Since 1997, the IURTC and its university clients have been responsible for:
• More than 2,000 inventions.
• Nearly 500 patents.
• 72 start-up companies.
About Indiana University Research and Technology Corp.
Headquartered in Indianapolis, the IU Research and Technology Corp. actively engages the strengths of Indiana University to support the health, economic and social development of Indiana, the nation and world through technology commercialization, business and economic development and technology parks.
Source: Indiana University