Innovator Engagement

  • Proactive and continuous education on IP-related matters to develop a campus- wide culture that supports technology transfer and economic development activities
  • IP mining
  • IP protection strategies at various stages of the technology
  • Identifying possible external funding opportunities
  • Link faculty/research expertise with needs of companies
  • Developing commercialization strategies
  • Market research and analysis
  • Marketing activities
  • Assist in class activities (co-taught a honors course in innovation)
  • Deployment of limited resources to overcome funding gap
  • Helping ensure compliance (COI, COC, OC, COT, etc.)
  • Royalty distribution

By engaging with faculty and researchers, OTC can help them turn their research into successful commercial ventures, and ultimately, contribute to the economic growth of the region and the nation.

  • Outreach Programs: OTC organizes outreach programs such as entrepreneurship workshops, innovation bootcamps, and pitch competitions to help students develop their skills and knowledge in commercializing research or turning innovative ideas into startups.
  • Office Hours: OTC holds office hours where students can come in to discuss their ideas, learn about the process of commercializing research, and get advice from experienced professionals.
  • Mentorship and Internship Programs: OTC creates mentorship or internship programs where students can work alongside OTC to gain real-world experience and insight into the technology commercialization and innovation process.
  • Online Resources: OTC provides online resources such as webinars, online training courses, and videos to help students learn about the technology transfer process and develop their entrepreneurial skills.
  • Collaborations: OTC collaborates with student organizations, such as entrepreneurship clubs, engineering societies, etc., to co-host events and provide additional resources to students interested in technology commercialization.

The goal of engaging students is to help them understand the commercialization process and potentially turn their research or innovative ideas into successful ventures.

Innovator Education Opportunities

  1. Entrepreneurial Training: OTC provides training and education in entrepreneurship to help innovators understand the key concepts involved in starting and scaling new ventures. This includes courses, workshops, and mentoring programs that cover topics such as business planning, market analysis, fundraising, and intellectual property protection.
  2. Innovation Workshops: OTC offers workshops and seminars that focus on specific aspects of innovation, such as ideation, design thinking, prototyping, and commercialization. These programs can help innovators to develop their skills and apply them to real-world problems.
  3. Networking Opportunities: OTC connects innovators with opportunities to network with industry leaders, investors, and other entrepreneurs to build relationships and identify potential partnerships. This involves hosting events, attending conferences, or participating in industry associations.
  4. Access to Funding: OTC provides innovators with access to funding through grants, venture capital, and other sources of financing. This can help innovators to develop and launch their ideas more quickly and with greater resources.
  5. Mentorship: OTC offers mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders who can offer guidance, advice, and support. Mentors can help innovators to avoid common pitfalls and navigate the challenges of starting and scaling a new venture.
  6. Access to Facilities and Resources: OTC provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, such as research labs, fabrication facilities, and technology transfer offices. This can help innovators to prototype and develop their ideas more efficiently and effectively.