...transforming the region’s innovation economy
through research, technology commercialization,
and support of entrepreneurship
UARF staff, featured from top, left to right: Barry
Rosenbaum, Cheryl Garcia, Wayne Watkins, Cindy
Angerstien, Linda Smith, Susan Dollinger, Ken Preston,
Gordon Schorr, John Myers, Mary Ellen Hinkle, Elyse
Ball, George Newkome, Dolli Quattrocchi Gold
A Word from the President
1
Through strategic partnerships, The University of Akron (UA) collaborates with industry
to support the commercialization of new technologies that can lead to new industries in
northeast Ohio. The University of Akron Research Foundation (UARF) facilitates the services
of entrepreneurship, innovation support, research agreements, technology transfer, and new
venture development by acting as an independent liaison between the University and the
business community.
University inventions are managed through UARF and the Office of Technology Transfer (OTT).
Here at UA, we possess a great advantage through our Tech Transfer office, which ranks first
in the world in patents per research dollar and seventh in the U.S. in licensing revenue among
universities without a medical school.
Please take a moment to review this document, and engage the Research Foundation to
help identify commercial routes for your research that solve real-world problems, to protect
discoveries for your benefit and that of the University, and to share your accomplishments as
broadly as possible.
George R. Newkome, Ph.D.
Professor of Polymer Science and Chemistry
Oelschlager Professor of Science and Technology
President, UARF
400+
number of U.S. patents
and applications
About the University of Akron Research Foundation
T
he University of Akron Research Foundation (UARF) was established in
December 2001 to promote, encourage, and provide assistance to the
research activities of university faculty, staff, and students. Incorporated in the
state of Ohio, this not-for-profit organization provides a means by which discoveries, inventions, processes, and work products of The University of Akron
(UA) employees can be transferred from the University laboratory to benefit the
public, the university, and its stakeholders.
The patent wall in the Polymer
Science building. The University
of Akron has nearly 200 active
US patents, all of which may be
viewed on this wall.
The University of Akron Research Foundation aids technology-based economic
development through its status as a separate corporation, which serves to
support and commercialize university research. UARF can indemnify research
sponsors, assist with university start-ups, quickly negotiate licenses, and hold
equity in spinout companies. UARF’s strategic engagement – which ranges
from marketing intellectual property and private sponsored research to
starting a regional angel investment network, operating an innovation campus
to provide office space for UA collaborators and hosting industry executives as
advisors – exemplifies the potential universities have to affect change and
create opportunity for the region.
Through the Ohio Research Foundation, UARF offers its expertise in evaluating
patents, negotiating licensing agreements, identifying potential collaborators
and supporting entrepreneurial enterprises. This organization, which supports
intellectual property issues for UA, Cleveland State University, Lorain County
Community College, and Youngstown State University, aims to create
economic growth through more effective connections and networking to
northeast Ohio businesses.
“
Our researchers and their innovations could greatly affect society, the environment
and the economy. The ideas represent the vision of our faculty members to transfer
their technical and scientific expertise into discoveries that could significantly enhance
economic development regionally, nationally and globally.
”
- Dr. George Newkome, UA Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School
2
Technology Commercialization
Technology commercialization provides an opportunity to actively connect UA resources with
business to transform research into products, by either licensing patents to existing
companies, or by developing and marketing products through a start-up company. The actual
technology transfer process involves formal licensing of technology to third parties under the
guidance of UARF professionals.
Technology is typically transferred from UA to third parties though licensing arrangements.
These are legal agreements which allow UA to grant the use of intellectual property rights
(patents, trademarks, know-how, etc.) to other parties. Licenses include terms for exclusivity,
field of use, geographic considerations, and compensation schedules. The licensee may be an
established company or a new business start-up. Licenses may require the licensee to meet
certain performance requirements and to provide financial compensation to UA. Payments are
shared with the inventors and also distributed to departments and research centers to provide
support for further research, education, and participation in the technology transfer process.
Details of the technology transfer process may be found in the “Inventor’s Guide to
Technology Transfer,” located at: http://www.uakron.edu/dotAsset/1004911.pdf.
Technology Transfer Success — Licensing to Big Business
Joseph Kennedy’s invention of the polystyrene-polyisobutylene-polystyrene block copolymer
and thermoplastic elastomer is the basis of a biocompatible polymer coating on Boston
Scientific’s TAXUS® drug-eluting cardiovascular stent, which has been implanted in about 5
million patients worldwide. While the stent does its work to open clogged coronary arteries,
Kennedy’s polymer coating is a safe and durable biomaterial, designed with controlled
permeation characteristics to enable the time-released delivery of paclitaxel and other
therapeutic agents that inhibit artery clogging and restenosis.
Technology Transfer Success — Licensing to Start-up Companies
3
The University of Akron faculty Stephen Cheng, Dean of the College of Polymer Science and
Polymer Engineering, and Frank Harris, Distinguished Professor emeritus of Polymer Science,
invented an advanced polymeric material that, when converted to film, enabled large liquid
crystal displays (LCDs) to be viewed from all angles for the first time. These academicians
created a company, Akron Polymer Systems Inc. (APS), to produce and commercialize these
new polyimide materials for applications ranging from optical displays to aerospace to
medical devices. Theirs is a story of successfully transferring technology from the laboratory
to the market. Harris and Cheng have 16 US patents at UA, several in the area of negative
birefringent polymer films for optical display applications. The patented technology is used
today for large screen LCD TVs and displays in aircraft cockpits.
Other University Start-ups
Akron Medvision works to develop and commercialize Jun Hu’s glucose sensing contact lens.
A UA cross-departmental team created the lenses, which are imprinted with a series of bars
(similar to those that show signal strength on cell phones) that change as blood sugar levels
drop. The contact lenses could provide a pain-free alternative to the finger prick test diabetics
currently use to test blood sugar.
Cutting-edge research on silver-based pharmaceutical candidates has been conducted by
Wiley J. Youngs and his team at UA. They have identified silver n-heterocyclic carbene
complexes which have shown efficacy in treating bacterial lung infections, pneumonia, and
cystic fibrosis. The university has assisted Youngs in the commercialization of his technology
through a start-up venture known as Akron Research Commercialization Corporation, now
doing business as Nebusil. Their first product offering is an inhaled pharmaceutical candidate
for the treatment of respiratory disorders and lung infections. Youngs’ company was selected
as a winner of the 2010 NorTech Innovation Award.
6.33MM
2007 licensing revenue, leading
to a statewide first place ranking
in rate of return for technology
commercialization
Technology Based Economic Development
Industry outreach through senior fellows
The UARF fellows and executive-in-residence program has attracted seven
former industry executives, who volunteer their time to assist in the areas of
intellectual property, business development and industry relations. Senior
Fellows Gordon Schorr and Barry Rosenbaum communicate with
approximately eight companies and three community organizations each day
and have been crucial in brokering University and UARF partnerships,
including those with German chemical company Chemetall, specialty
coatings manufacturer RPM and advanced energy innovator eVionyx.
Executive-in-residence John Myers, who was hired as a joint employee of
UARF and the Greater Akron Chamber, talked to 459 individuals and
companies in a 12-month period, providing business advice and direction to
pertinent Northeast Ohio resources.
Innovation education
At UA-hosted Open Innovation events, nationally recognized thought
leaders give presentations and host discussions between research and
innovation groups from about 50 major corporations, mid-size companies,
and faculty from several Northeast Ohio universities. The only forum of its
kind in Ohio, Open Innovation events serve as a platform for networking and
discussions on open innovation and technology transfer. Their mission is to
create a culture of change centered on shared ideas and leverage regional
partnerships to create networks for technology commercialization.
Practical internship programs
The Industrial/Community Assistantship Program matches UA graduate
students to local companies, builds ties with business, and provides
practical educational experience. Students participating in the year-long
program, which is developed collaboratively by corporations and University
faculty, receive scholarships for performing practical research.
ARCHAngel Investment Network
The Akron Regional Change Angel (ARCHAngel) Network brings together
promising technology companies and investors, mentors, service providers,
and potential strategic partners in Northeast Ohio. Sponsored by UARF, the
ARCHAngel Network holds quarterly meetings where three to four
technology-based entrepreneurs present business plan summaries. The
companies often leverage the region’s strengths in health care, alternative
energy, information technology, and polymers and advanced materials. Since
their start in November 2005, over 70 companies have presented and the
network has grown to around 500 members, resulting in $75MM of follow-on
funding. To learn more, visit www.akronarchangels.com.
4
The University of Akron Office of Technology Transfer
With a central mission of engaging industry in university research activities,
the Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) reviews inventions for marketability,
applies for and maintains patents, assists startup companies and licenses
University technology to industry and independent businesses. Since 2001,
the OTT has grown annual licensing revenue to more than 10 times its
original level, winning awards from the National Science Foundation, Milken
Institute and the Ohio Board of Regents. Of the more than 150 US universities,
UA ranks:
#1 in licensing revenue per research dollar among US universities
without a medical school according to the Association of University
Technology Managers (AUTM)
#1 in patents per research dollar, according to a five-year Milken
Institute study
#7 in licensing revenue for universities without a medical school
The OTT’s success stems from the creative research initiatives of UA’s 735
full-time professors and 29,000 students, including almost 4,000 graduate
students. With emerging disciplines, like integrated bioscience, biomedical
engineering, corrosion engineering and technology management, UA is
pioneering the development of leading edge technologies.
Top Research Productivity
The University of Akron’s researchers are among the most productive in the
nation. Each year, from an R&D budget of $50 million, UA faculty:
5
>
Disclose about 70 new inventions
>
File applications for 40 new U.S. patents
>
Conduct industry-driven research through 50 industrial grants
and contracts
>
Form five technology startup companies
>
Generate millions in licensing revenue
Beyond Polymer Expertise
While UA may be best known for its internationally-renowned polymer
program, researchers are exploring areas far afield from plastics and
branching out in a variety of multi-disciplinary fields that have widespread
academic and commercial interest. An excellent example is the launch of UA’s
degree program in Corrosion and Reliability Engineering, the nation’s firstsuch baccalaureate program in a field with broad-ranging applicability across
a multitude of industries. More than $6MM in federal, state, and
industrial funding has been raised to support this much-needed curriculum.
“
The university’s establishment of a corrosion engineering
program is driven by need. The demand for corrosion
engineers and related qualified experts is immense
given the fact that corrosion plays a critical role in the
deterioration of our nation’s infrastructure.
- Dr. George Haritos, Dean of UA’s College of Engineering
”
102
number of US patents issued to
Dr. Joseph Kennedy, Distinguished
Professor of Polymer Science &
Chemistry.
850
number of UA invention
disclosures
Technologies of Interest - Medical
More than half of UA’s current inventions and patent applications are related
to advancements in medical technology. Following multi-million dollar tech
transfer successes, researchers at UA are pursuing cutting-edge inventions
in biomaterials, drug delivery systems, wound care products, glucose
monitoring methods, and diagnostic and imaging techniques.
Artificial pancreas
Created by filling a polymer pouch the size of a cigarette with insulin
producing cells, Joseph Kennedy and Miko Cakmak’s artificial pancreas
could be implanted anywhere in the human body as a long-term cure for
diabetes. The device recently underwent successful animal tests at Northeast
Ohio Universities College of Medicine and Pharmacy (NEOUCOM) and the
Cleveland Clinic.
Nanoparticle drug delivery
By enclosing harsh medicines needed to treat severe cancers and infections
inside polymer molecules, Yang Yun’s technology aims to deliver effective
treatment with fewer side effects. Yun’s L-tyrosine poly-phosphate (LTP)
nanoparticles, which can be dissolved in water and administered by inhaler,
already proved safer and more efficient than current drug delivery methods in
treating lung infections in mice.
Novel Biomaterials
Joseph Kennedy and his team from The University of Akron have taken their
breakthrough invention of polyisobutylene-based thermoplastic elastomers
(TPEs), and extended the technology to polyurethane chemistry. Conventional
polyurethanes as medical devices are often inadequate when subject to
the aggressive environments necessary for biomedical applications. They
must withstand extended exposure to hostile aqueous fluids and corrosive
biochemical environments which are present in the body. New and
improved biomaterials with the advantages of urethane functionality, but
unprecedented oxidative and hydrolytic stability have been invented.
Building bio and ortho excellence
The Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron (ABIA) builds on the
complementary research, as well as the educational and clinical strengths
at UA, NEOUCOM, and three of Northeast Ohio’s largest hospital systems.
In addition to implementing new programs in medical device development,
healthcare training and community outreach, the Institute’s goal is to
become one of the world’s leading biomaterials and orthopaedic research
programs. ABIA and UARF have recently been selected as a US Department of
Commerce winner of the i6 Challenge in support of the nation’s best ideas for
technology commercialization. Research will be conducted in the clean-room
laboratories in the new National Polymer Innovation Center (NPIC), slated for
a mid-October 2010 opening on the campus of UA.
6
“
Great things happen at the intersections...
Between academia and industry
Between education and research
Between technology and commercialization
UARF helps to navigate these critical crossroads by partnering your
innovative ideas, products, and businesses with the power of The
University of Akron’s students, faculty, research, and patent portfolio.
”
OHIO BOARD OF REGENTS
UNIVERSITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
#1 in Ohio in technology
commercialization return per dollar
Award of Excellence in
Technology Commercialization
2008
2007
MILKEN INSTITUTE
INNOVATION ASSOCIATES
UNIVERSITY PARK ALLIANCE
#1 in patents issued per million
research expenditures
Exemplary smaller institution for
advanced innovation partnerships
Development Award for revitalization
of Akron’s University Park
2000-2004
2007
2008
Computers, Sensors & Devices
UA faculty are pioneering development of computer processing, sensors,
measurement devices and mathematical formulas to improve the speed
and quality of scientific research. In addition to their potential application
in industries ranging from medicine and electronics to manufacturing and
animation, these projects pave the way for new discovery.
Fast Fourier Transform
Although many personal computers have four processors, Fast Fourier
Transform, the complex mathematical algorithm computers use to process
sound and images, is calculated on just one processor. Dale Mugler’s
new mathematical formula dramatically increases a computer’s operating
speed by allowing multiple processors to contribute to the calculation. This
improvement could be especially important for MRI and CT imaging, as well
as X-ray crystallography.
Lab-on-a-chip
Known more formally as a miniaturized sensing system, Fred Choy’s
microchip maps and analyzes sounds to detect early signs of heart failure.
The device identifies two sounds present only in heartbeats of patients
experiencing cardiac distress.
Sensors for Clean Energy
Led by Alex De Abreu-Garcia of Electrical and Computer Engineering, UA will
conduct research in sensor technologies for clean energy solutions. UA will
partner with multiple local companies to design, test, validate, and qualify
sensors and control algorithms for applications such as electric-drive based
switched reluctance machines, jet aircraft engines, oil/gas exploration, and
photovoltaic distributed power conditioners.
9
“
The support we’ve received from Ohio’s organizations, academic
institutions, and industry and political leaders has been key to our
success as a start-up company. Ohio has been able to provide us
with everything we need to pursue our dreams as entrepreneurs
while still providing us with the balance and opportunity to pursue
our personal aspirations.
”
- Dr. Frank Harris, UA Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Polymer Science and Biomedical Engineering
and President and CEO of Akron Polymer Systems
1
worldwide ranking in patents
issued per research dollar
spent, according to a
five-year study by
the Milken Institute
37
number of startup companies
formed based on UA research
Biotechnology & Biomimicry
By studying, modifying and employing living organisms and their byproducts,
biotechnology practitioners generate natural innovations in fields ranging
from medicine and pharmaceuticals to green technology and advanced
energy. UA researchers in the emerging field of biomimicry examine and
imitate hundreds of years of evolution to solve human problems.
Above, UA has developed an
adhesive based on the gecko
foot using the concepts of
biomimicry.
Gecko tape
Inspired by the tiny foot hairs that allow geckos to run up walls and across
ceilings, Ali Dhinojwala fixed tiny carbon tubes to the surface of flexible
plastic to create tape that can support hundreds of pounds of weight. The
new adhesive, which has resulted in two National Science Foundation grants,
could be used underwater or in space because its bond works differently from
traditional glues.
Integrated Bioscience
Active collaboration by researchers in the fields of biomaterials, biomedical
engineering, environmental bioscience, computational biology and
bioinformatics provides the foundation for the Integrated Bioscience PhD
program at UA. Using simple and elegant examples from Mother Nature,
scientists design complex new functional products based on hierarchical
structures exhibited in biological systems. In addition to the areas above,
teams are studying synthetic muscles using block copolymers, protein
stabilization in glassy sugars, high-performance and biodegradable coatings,
nano-ordered colored materials using techniques inspired by bird feathers,
and light-harvesting dendrimers.
Spider silk muscles
By bundling threads of spider silk 50 times thinner than human hair into thin
ropes, Todd Blackledge and Ali Dhinojwala created a muscle to do some serious heavy lifting. The UA professors believe that larger cords of spider silk,
which contracts with extreme force when wet, could repeatedly lift a
10-ton truck. The technology could perform strenuous robotic lifting without
using motors and also may generate energy in environments with ambient
fluctuations in humidity.
“
What is important is which of these patents are really revenue producers?
Which of these patents have created a value that people are willing to pay
for? When you start to improve the quality of life and save lives, that is
something else.
”
- Dr. Joseph Kennedy, UA Distinguished Professor of Polymer Science and Chemistry and inventor of the
polymer coating on Boston Scientific’s most-used stent
10
Environmental
With a sharp focus on the environmental consequences of an industrialized
world, UA researchers are developing new technologies for pollution control,
carbon capture, precious metal recovery, and water purification and treatment.
Other unique innovations include techniques to predict and mitigate damage
from earthquakes and hurricanes.
Heavy metal capture E3 Materials
A startup led by a UA graduate, Pingshan Wang, is developing patented
chemicals that capture heavy metals in water or steam. Heavy metals, which
are a by-product of many manufacturing processes, can cause corrosion, pose a
danger to human health or damage the environment.
Polymer Science & Engineering
The University of Akron is a global leader in Polymers and Advanced
Materials from both an academic and research standpoint.
Green Polymer Chemistry
The modification of natural or synthetic polymers with enzymes is an
environmentally friendly alternative to classical chemical modification
reactions that generally require harsh reaction conditions. Judit Puskas and her
team have discovered a method for using enzymatic catalysis for the
precision functionalization of a variety of commercially significant polymers.
Hyperbranched Polyacrylates
Coleen Pugh has invented hyperbranched polyacrylates that have lower
viscosity and better processability, when compared to their linear counterparts.
In addition, the structure of these hyperbranched polyacrylates incorporates an
ester group in the polymer backbone and at every branch-point, which provides
a site for biodegradation via hydrolysis to form oligomers that are less of a
burden on the environment. These novel polyacrylates are ideal candidates for
use in paints or emulsion-based coatings.
11
Advanced Materials
Materials scientists explore the molecular structure of polymers and other
compounds to discover what gives them certain properties, such as strength or
elasticity. At UA, researchers are exploiting that knowledge to tailor high
performance hybrid polymers for use in almost any industry, including medicine,
aerospace, coatings, electronics, photonics and construction.
Dendrimers
The research team of George Newkome, a pioneer in the field of dendrimer
chemistry, is focused on the investigation of new molecules, polymers, and
nanoscopic constructs that possess unique architectures and utilitarian features.
Of strong interest is the concept of molecular self-assembly, which may have
commercial opportunities in electronics, coatings, or medical applications. Their
lab focuses on the concepts of molecular design and recognition.
Flexible Electronics
Miko Cakmak’s highly flexible hybrid polymer film could become a key
component of paper-thin electronic screens that can be bent, mounted onto
objects or sewn into clothing. Although they serve the same function as screens
currently used on laptops and PDAs, these displays are lighter, more durable and
more energy efficient. Prototype samples of these advanced hybrid materials
will be produced on a semi-works scale using process equipment located in the
National Polymer Innovation Center. This facility was supported using $8.6MM in
Wright Center funds from the state of Ohio.
Nanotechnology
Thinking small is leading to big changes in the fields of medicine,
electronics and energy production. By controlling matter on the molecular
level, UA researchers can create materials that are lighter, stronger, greener
and tailored for precise uses.
Nanofiber wound healing bandages
Under the leadership of internationally renowned electrospinning expert
Darrell Reneker and award winning chemistry researcher Daniel Smith,
UA labs are developing technology to treat slow healing wounds prevalent
among diabetics. Their nanofiber bandages slowly release nitric oxide to
combat disease and infection and speed up healing.
Ceramic nanofiber filtration
For most manufacturing companies, environmental friendliness comes at a
price, but innovations pioneered by George Chase, Darrell Reneker and
entrepreneurial business MemPro Ceramics could make the process of
filtering out pollutants much cheaper. Improving upon existing catalytic
converters that turn environmentally harmful nitrous oxides into harmless
nitrogen and oxygen molecules, the group places catalysts in and on ultrathin
yet durable ceramic fibers for faster filtering.
Security
A developing area of research involves opportunities for improved security
techniques, which can help detect potential risks and deter harmful actions.
Some opportunities include composite structures for armor and ballistic
protection, and photonic processors and optical guiding systems for space
and military applications.
“
A patent without commercialization is only an
expensive piece of paper.
- Susan Dollinger, UA Office of Technology Transfer
”
12
Energy
With research covering fuel cells to generate power, batteries to store it and energy
management systems to more efficiently use it, UA labs and researchers are building new
devices and techniques for efficient and environmentally friendly energy.
Clean coal fuel cell
Steven Chuang’s coal fuel cell produces twice as much energy per pound of coal as coal
burning power plants and easily captures carbon dioxide and harmful gases. Instead of
burning coal, the fuel cell uses catalysts to speed up the reaction of coal and natural gas with
air. An additional benefit is the sequestration of process CO2, which offers cleaner energy
solutions. FirstEnergy and the National Science Foundation have contributed almost $4
million to develop the technology.
Nickel-zinc batteries
UA partnered with New York’s eVionyx and Northeast Ohio’s RPM International to develop
nickel-zinc batteries for use in electric vehicles. Nickel-zinc batteries, which are less expensive,
safer and lighter than other rechargeable batteries, use a polymer coating to prevent the
formation of metal deposits within the battery. UA polymer science researchers are optimizing
the manufacturing process. Efficient batteries are crucial in storing the power generated by
solar, wind and clean energy sources.
“
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We need to convert
science to technology.
- Dr. Steven Chuang, UA Professor of Chemical Engineering and collaborator with
FirstEnergy Corporation on a clean coal fuel cell
”
In summary...
The University of Akron Research Foundation is a nationally recognized model for economic
development and wealth creation, honored by the University Economic Development
Association, the Milken Institute, Innovation Associates, and the Ohio Board of Regents.
Regionally, The University of Akron has a strategic imperative to be a primary driver of
economic competitiveness in Northeast Ohio. Towards that goal, The University of Akron
Research Foundation has been involved in a myriad of diverse activities since its inception
in 2001. Partnerships have been formed which directly benefit the economic development
efforts within the region, and help to drive prosperity and wealth creation in northeast Ohio.
The widespread impact of UARF and its outreach programs may be viewed more easily
through the pictograph shown in the center spread. The hub-and-spoke concept is a model
used to help visualize UARF’s inclusive and comprehensive outreach program that serves
our community through the delivery of technical expertise, information services, business
development collaboration, entrepreneurial assistance, strategic partnerships, student
support, and technology commercialization activities.
where industry meets...
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© 2010 University of Akron Research Foundation
at The University of Akron
Goodyear Polymer Center
Akron, OH 44325-2103
www.uarf.org or www.uakron.edu/research
design x .nine
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