Technology transfer licenses are used to create partnerships between non-profit organizations such as universities and research organizations and commercial businesses. Groups with new technologies work with companies that have marketing and manufacturing capabilities to commercialize proprietary processes or products and make them available to the public.

Whether your organization is on the research or commercial side of technology transfer, it's a project that must be undertaken carefully. Some ways to navigate through technology transfer management are:

1. Enlist the help of technology transfer consultants who have contacts and experience.

2. Use free sources of information and assistance.

3. Learn to draw up technology transfer licenses and agreements.

4. Find partners for the financing, manufacturing and marketing processes.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get assistance from a technology transfer consulting company

A consulting company can help with each step of the technology transfer process. It draws on experience to assist with all aspects, from drawing up plans and contracts to finding a partner to bring your products to market.

I recommend: Business Consultants International has developed partnerships with many companies and works to find partner companies and create legal arrangements, including joint ventures, partnerships and distributorships. First Principals works with clients to develop patent licensing, including technology assessment, commercialization and capital development tasks. Find an individual consultant with experience in technology transfer at Intota.

Get help on developing policy for a technology transfer

Several federal programs exist to provide general information and specialized services to organizations and businesses. These organizations work with academic, research and industrial clients to develop processes and form partnerships.

I recommend: Established by Congress, the National Technology Transfer Center provides a wide range of technology assessment services, demonstrations and training. The Small Business Administration hosts the competitive Small Business Technology Transfer Program to bring together researchers and businesses that meet eligibility requirements. Check out the Association of University Technology Managers for guidelines on the technology transfer process.

Get templates for technology transfer agreements

A technology transfer agreement is required by regulating authorities and protects technology owners and producers. It defines each party's responsibilities and tasks.

I recommend: Purchase a technology transfer form from FindLegalForms. All forms are prepared by attorneys and are backed by a full money-back guarantee. Find free sample agreements at Onecle. 1000 Ventures provides a checklist for a technology transfer agreement.

Get funding for the technology transfer process

Venture capital providers and angel investors are resources to turn to when you need help getting a project up and running. Venture capital providers are usually firms that invest large sums of capital, while angel investors are single investors who can invest smaller amounts.

I recommend: VFinance provides lists of venture capital companies that provide funding for new products. The Go Big Network, operated by Go Big Media, allows you to enter your funding needs to join with angel investors and venture capital providers.

Find a partner for the technology transfer process

Contract manufacturing companies create the final product and may also develop packaging and marketing. Numerous companies have experience in the contact manufacturing process and can offer their expertise.

I recommend: Barry's National Biotech Register contains listings of contract manufacturing companies and consultants. Medical Device Link offers a list of contract manufacturing and packaging services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before starting the technology transfer process, make sure the product is s good prospect. It should already have a patent or patent pending and should offer significant advantages over similar existing products.