STEP 1  – YOU HAVE MADE A DISCOVERY WITH TRANSLATIONAL POTENTIAL?
CONTACT THE TECH TRANSFER OFFICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Download a pre-disclosure form here.

Avoid public disclosures from that point on (What is prior art?)

How much data do I need? Scientific fields may be divided into “unpredictable” and “predictable” arts. The degree of required disclosure is commensurate with the perceived degree of predictability in the field of your invention. There is no general requirement that working examples or experimental data must be disclosed, but they can reduce concerns regarding predictability and sometimes may be necessary.

STEP 2  – TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION
You will work with the Technology Transfer Office to:

• Determine the best approach to protect your discovery
• Identify the commercial potential of your discovery
• Review translational R&D funding options
• Discuss out-licensing options and startup creation

STEP 3  – PROTECTING YOUR DISCOVERY
The Technology Transfer Office will take the lead to support the translational process, but you will be actively involved in the process. It starts with protecting your discovery.

If the translational process is moving forward, download a disclosure form here.

Additional Resources
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/35
https://henry.law/blog/what-is-prior-art/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-020-0447-x

Small business grants

SBIR/STTR grants represent a flexible and well funded program that can help your startup or help you partner with a small business.

Technologies that are still at a very early stage, as well technologies that may never generate high profits but would otherwise benefit society (e.g., environmental or ecological benefits) struggle to attract investors. The SBIR/STTR program can support these technologies. 

https://www.sbir.gov/about

Please contact the Technology Transfer Office for more information.

Industry grants

Bayer – Grants4Targets Crop Science

Corteva – Open Innovation

“Halo Science” register to receive notifications for funding opportunities from Bayer Crop Science, Corteva, Valent BioSciences and others”

Foundations – Agriculture grants and collaborations

Gates Ag One

Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research

NSF Partnerships for Innovation

The Partnerships for Innovation Program offers researchers from all NSF-funded disciplines of science and engineering the opportunity to perform translational research and technology development, catalyze partnerships and accelerate the transition of discoveries from the laboratory to the marketplace for societal benefit.

When Requesting Materials

1. Forward the MTA provided to you to BTI’s Technology Transfer Office for review
2. The MTA is for your lab use only – do not share the material outside your lab
3. Be sure to acknowledge providers in your publications

When Shipping Materials

Ask your Project Leader to contact the Technology Transfer Office if any of these apply:

• The material is shipping to a for-profit organization
• The material is covered by a patent or has commercial value
• The material is potentially harmful to humans or the environment
• The material could be used in animals or humans
• The material is licensed or under an in-coming MTA

Who signs MTAs?

BTI Scientist = Project Leader
Authorized Official = please contact the Technology Transfer Office

Take graduate courses from the NIH Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences and gain advanced knowledge in patenting for scientists, technology licensing and biotech company development. These courses can be audited.

• https://catalog.faes.org/technology-transfer-business-and-industry

You can also contact us to inquire about other ways to learn about skills and careers in technology transfer.

CTL Internship

Internships with Cornell Center for Technology Licensing – Open to Cornell STEM graduate students