UF Top Public University In Tech Transfer
The University of Florida is the top-performing public institution at transferring its research to the marketplace, according to a major new study by the prestigious Milken Institute.
In a report by the California-based economic think tank titled "Mind to Market: A Global Analysis of University Biotechnology Transfer and Commercialization," UF ranked fifth overall on the institute's University Technology Transfer and Commercialization Index.
Milken Institute researchers sought to discover which universities do the best job at technology transfer and commercialization. They compared university technology transfer processes around the world; studied the common characteristics to successful commercialization; and measured the role of the university offices of technology transfer.
David Day, director of UF's Office of Technology Licensing, said the university made a commitment about six years ago to expand its commercialization efforts.
"Now we have the people and resources necessary to identify promising technologies, pursue patents and negotiate fair licenses," Day said. "We've also worked hard to nurture our startups so they can develop their products and become financially successful."
Win Phillips, UF's vice president for research, said the university's sheer size and breadth allow it to pursue a wide range of research. UF received nearly $519 million in research funding in 2006, more than half of it for biomedical research.
During the 2005-06 fiscal year, UF earned nearly $43 million in licensing income. Ten new companies were launched based on UF technologies, bringing the total over the last five years to 46.
