Proteins that break up molds without using toxic hydrocarbons dangerous to humans. Conductive polymers that allow manufacture of lightweight lithium ion batteries. Portable, self-powered water filtration units that remove arsenic from polluted groundwater in Asia.<\/p>\n
UConn\u2019s scientists, physicians, and engineers \u2013 researchers tackling some of society\u2019s toughest problems \u2013 created these new inventions that are helping to renew the economy and provide profound benefits to the public.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s no wonder that state Senate President Don Williams Jr. recently announced that Connecticut \u2013 even in these tough economic times \u2013 will invest $18 million to develop a technology research park at UConn\u2019s Storrs campus to facilitate the exchange of ideas and inventions between the University and the state\u2019s commercial and industrial sectors.<\/p>\n
Increasingly, UConn fosters not just creative and innovative thinking, but also the development of novel inventions into products and companies that create jobs. UConn\u2019s Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) plays a vital role in helping to propel emerging technologies out of the lab and into the marketplace.<\/p>\n
Rita Zangari, director of OTC, reported last year that UConn\u2019s efforts to commercialize research included 34 UConn spinout companies, and that University-business collaborations had secured more than $1 million in annual licensing revenue and supported 200 jobs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe value of fostering synergy between academia and industry, as a tool for job creation, has been proven time and again across the U.S.,\u201d Zangari says. \u201cSuch relationships have emerged as strong sources of entrepreneurship, talent, and economic competitiveness.<\/p>\n
\u201cCollaborations that combine the talent and expertise of University researchers and students with the market perspective and pace of industry, and that capitalize on the unique resources available at academic institutions, are supporting the growth of today\u2019s knowledge economy,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n