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Get Help with Technology Commercialization

Â鶹ֱ²¥ of Akron Research Foundation (Â鶹ֱ²¥RF) offer several ways to help with commercialization of inventions and research.

 (I-Corps) is a suite of activities and programs that guide inventors and researchers to explore the commercial potential of their technologies through customer interviews, market research, and feedback from experienced business mentors.

Â鶹ֱ²¥ of Akron | Proof of Concept Initiative

 is a Â鶹ֱ²¥ program that reviews, evaluates, and funds university technologies that have specific prototyping or testing needs to get to the next stage. The program will allow Â鶹ֱ²¥ applicants to apply for funds two to three times each year with funding amounts up to $50,000.

Other funding sources

Federal and state agencies offer grants for technology commercialization, including funding activities such as prototyping, testing, and market research.

Contact Â鶹ֱ²¥'s Office of Technology Transfer

• Researchers to examine ways students across globe can collaborate on STEM work
  Dr. Shivakumar Sastry receives National Science Foundation funding to develop prototype with applications beyond STEM education.
• Mussels inspire development of waterproof adhesives
  National Science Foundation grant supports Â鶹ֱ²¥ researchers efforts to develop a synthetic mimic of mussel adhesives using soybean oil — a renewable resource.
• Â鶹ֱ²¥ polymer, chemistry professor receives lifetime achievement award from French university
  George R. Newkome has worked with scholars at the University of Bordeaux for more than 20 years.