Weber State University maintains specialized programs designed to transition academic research from laboratory settings into the commercial marketplace, providing faculty and staff with tools for intellectual property management and product development. The university utilizes dedicated offices to assist researchers in navigating the complexities of market potential and licensing.
Commercialization and Innovation
The Technology Commercialization Office (TCO) serves as a primary engine for turning university research into enterprise. According to the university, the TCO focuses on assisting faculty and staff to capitalize on products and processes, effectively transporting research from laboratory shelves to the marketplace. This pathway is supported by several specialized functions designed to protect and promote academic innovation.
Protecting Intellectual Property
To facilitate the transition from concept to commercial product, the TCO performs several critical technical and legal functions. These include conducting market potential analyses to determine the viability of new technologies and performing intellectual property searches and filings to protect academic discoveries. Additionally, the office handles the drafting and negotiation of licenses to ensure research can be successfully utilized by external entities.
Prototyping and Development
Beyond the legal and analytical aspects of commercialization, Weber State provides physical resources for prototyping and development. The Weber State Concept Center and Maker Space Lab allows individuals to turn concepts into reality by utilizing the combined expertise of faculty and students. This facility provides a hands-on environment for the physical realization of research-based ideas.
Startup and Business Support
The university also offers broader economic development resources to support both startups and established businesses. These resources include the Office of Sponsored Projects, which is responsible for reviewing and authorizing proposals for submission, as well as interpreting, negotiating, and accepting contracts and grants for sponsored projects. This administrative support is intended to help businesses get concepts off the ground and find qualified interns.
Workforce and Training
Professional development and workforce integration are also central to the university's economic development mission. Weber State provides customizable education and training programs tailored to specific professional development needs. Furthermore, the university maintains programs to connect businesses with interns, facilitating career opportunities for students and providing specialized talent to the surrounding community.
Bridging Research and Industry
Through these interconnected departments—ranging from the Technology Commercialization Office to the Concept Center—Weber State University aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application. By offering a combination of legal, analytical, and technical resources, the institution seeks to foster an environment where innovation can be successfully transitioned into the marketplace.
