Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
16:05
Using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) to Develop Diagnostic Tools
Published on: October 1, 2007
Your idea and your university: issues in academic technology transfer
1Apogee Biotechnology Corporation, Hummelstown, PA 17036, USA. cdsmith@apogee-biotech.com
Summary
Researchers considering commercializing discoveries must weigh personal factors and funding options. Government grants like Small Business Innovative Research and Small Business Technology Transfer can support new biomedical companies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Research
- Technology Commercialization
- Entrepreneurship
Background:
- Scientific discoveries often have commercial potential.
- Researchers face decisions regarding intellectual property (IP) commercialization pathways.
- Options include university out-licensing or founding a spinout company.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss personal considerations for researchers starting spinout companies.
- To provide information on government grants for commercial development.
- To guide investigators transitioning into entrepreneurship.
Main Methods:
- Review of personal considerations for entrepreneurship.
- Information gathering on government funding programs.
- Discussion of challenges in company formation and management.
Main Results:
- Key personal factors include career goals, financial/time commitments, and conflict of interest.
- The ability to manage a company or delegate to experts is crucial.
- Government grants, particularly Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), offer early-stage funding.
Conclusions:
- Founding a spinout company requires careful evaluation of personal and business factors.
- Understanding available government grants is essential for securing startup capital.
- Strategic planning for commercialization can facilitate the successful development of research discoveries.
Related Concept Videos
02:18Types of Genetic Transfer Between Organisms
Genetic transfer occurs when genetic information is passed from one organism to another. It occurs via two mechanisms: vertical gene transfer and horizontal gene transfer. Vertical gene transfer occurs when genetic information is transferred from one generation to the next, which happens much more frequently than horizontal gene transfer. Both sexual and asexual reproduction are forms of vertical gene transfer, where one or more organisms pass some or all of their genome onto their progeny.
02:18Types of Genetic Transfer Between Organisms
Genetic transfer occurs when genetic information is passed from one organism to another. It occurs via two mechanisms: vertical gene transfer and horizontal gene transfer. Vertical gene transfer occurs when genetic information is transferred from one generation to the next, which happens much more frequently than horizontal gene transfer. Both sexual and asexual reproduction are forms of vertical gene transfer, where one or more organisms pass some or all of their genome onto their progeny.
01:31Translation
Lesson: Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
01:37Social Loafing
Another way in which a group presence can affect performance is social loafing—the exertion of less effort by a person working together with a group. Social loafing occurs when our individual performance cannot be evaluated separately from the group. Thus, group performance declines on easy tasks (Karau & Williams, 1993). Essentially individual group members loaf and let other group members pick up the slack. Because each individual’s efforts cannot be evaluated, individuals become less...
01:20Mechanisms of Heat Transfer II
In convection, thermal energy is carried by the large-scale flow of matter. Ocean currents and large-scale atmospheric circulation, which result from the buoyancy of warm air and water, transfer hot air from the tropics toward the poles and cold air from the poles toward the tropics. The Earth’s rotation interacts with those flows, causing the observed eastward flow of air in the temperate zones. Convection dominates heat transfer by air, and the amount of available space for the airflow...