"There’s a new emphasis in tech transfer beyond the traditional spin-out of our technologies," explained Nona Cheeks, Chief of the Innovative Partnerships Program Office. "We’re seeking more opportunities for spin-in to ensure that the NASA Centers are getting what they need, either from within NASA or from outside labs and companies. This new emphasis fits perfectly with the Chief Technologist’s goals. So working closer just made sense." As Goddard’s Chief Technologist, Dr. Polidan develops the Center’s roadmap for technologies as applied to NASA missions, sponsoring early R&D activities as appropriate.

In addition, he coordinates with the R&D chiefs from other NASA Centers and other government laboratories, looking for opportunities to partner and collaborate. Similarly, the Chief Technologist sponsors and helps set up the exchange fellowship program to benefit research and technology knowledge sharing within Goddard. "Information sharing is key to closing the gap between scientists and engineers," said Dr. Polidan. "Scientists make some of the most important technological advancements, and engineers find a way to put those advancements into practical application.

By working together earlier, including joint proposal development, these communities can make dramatic progress." The Innovative Partnerships Program Office is working closely with the Chief Technologist Office in identifying and arranging partnerships. "Forming partnerships is a major part of what we do," said Ms. Cheeks. "I think that’s an area where the Innovative Partnerships Program Office can be particularly helpful."

the tech transfer process:
Step 3: Seeking a Partner/Licensee

If the assessment of your technology-see the Fall 2003 issue of Goddard Tech Transfer News for more about technology assessment-recommends patenting and pursuit of transfer, the Innovative Partnerships Program Office begins securing the intellectual property rights and finding a viable partner/licensee.

Note: This series is examining the steps associated with spin-out of a Goddard innovation to a non-NASA application. Future issues of Goddard Tech Transfer News will explore the technology spin-in process.

What is the difference between a partnership and a license?
A partnership involves ongoing collaboration between Goddard and the partner. For example, the partner might use Goddard facilities, personnel, and/or equipment to further develop the technology for the commercial or non-NASA application. Depending on the arrangement, Goddard is reimbursed financially, or the partner contributes its own resources to further a NASA mission. A license agreement grants the licensee the rights (either fully or partially exclusive or nonexclusive) to manufacture or use the technology. The specific arrangement depends on the technology and its readiness to be transferred to the new application as well as what the partner/licensee can offer NASA.

How does the Innovative Partnerships Program Office find partners/licensees for my technology?
Because the assessment includes interviews with potential users and licensees, identifying most of the appropriate contacts has been done. Some additional research might be conducted to find others. Once the list of contacts is finalized, the Office explains the partnership/licensing opportunity, encouraging them to apply for use or license of the technology.

How does the Office communicate with these potential partners/licensees?
We use a variety of communication tools, according to what is most effective for the situation. The most common are the following:

• Technology Opportunity Sheets-One-page announcements succinctly presenting the technology and its potential applications and benefits
• Web sites-Some technologies can only be fully understood with many details, which are best presented online
• Industry briefings-Meetings hosted by NASA to explain the technology and the partnership/licensing opportunity.
• Trade show exhibits-Displays and/or presentations that introduce technologies available for partnership/licensing. (Upcoming trade shows)

What happens when one of the contacts expresses interest in becoming a partner/licensee?
The specifics vary from case to case, but in general the Innovative Partnerships Program Office requests a project or transfer plan that provides details about the organization, how it plans to use the technology, its financial stability, and the proposed terms for the agreement. Once the plan and other application forms have been received, negotiations begin.

Next issue - Step 4: Partnership/License Agreement

IPP and Dan Powell also participated at the Greater Washington Nanotechnology Alliance’s first special topics symposium. Held on November 25th in Laurel, Maryland, this day-long event was filled with presentations on topics ranging from public interest issues to technical practices, research, and potential/developing applications.

The event-as well as the Alliance itself-is mainly a knowledge-sharing and networking opportunity. "By knowing who the key players are, what they’re looking at, and where things can be combined, you can direct your efforts where they bring the most value," said Mr. Powell, who helped found the Alliance. "There’s not enough money for all of us to be working alone, so we’d better work together."