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By JASON GONZALEZ 

From harnessing algae for renewable energy to advancing solutions combating online fraud, �¼������ϲ�'s public universities are driving groundbreaking research to the marketplace for real world impact. 

This is made possible by leveraging the transformative power of technology transfer – the process of translating research into actionable market solutions. �¼������ϲ� State University, Northern �¼������ϲ� University and the University of �¼������ϲ� are bridging the gap from laboratories to the marketplace, cultivating entrepreneurship, job creation and improved quality of life for �¼������ϲ�ns. 

A new grant from the �¼������ϲ� Board of Regents approved by the board in September fuels this collaborative effort, aiming to amplify the economic impact of tech transfer in life sciences, biomedicine and high-tech. The new initiative entitled “A Roadmap to Fulfilling the Economic Potential of Technology Transfer in the Life Sciences and Biomedicine in �¼������ϲ�” will focus on data collection and analysis. The goal is to develop more effective metrics for inclusive economic growth through tech transfer, thereby increasing engagement among underrepresented groups. 

To achieve this goal, the universities have outlined a comprehensive three-year road map. The project will collect and analyze data at multiple levels, including from individuals, research units, organizations and geographic entities. 

"This initiative will greatly enhance �¼������ϲ�'s economic landscape by leveraging the strengths of our research universities," said Carlos Contreras, �¼������ϲ� Office of Economic Opportunity cabinet executive officer. "Identifying key facilitators and barriers to technology transfer will provide insights for developing educational programs that support scientists, start-up personnel, policymakers and industry representatives. … We look forward to its successful implementation and the substantial benefits it will bring to our state." 

Throughout the initiative the team will engage tribal and minority communities, and regional biotech hubs, to conduct surveys assessing key workplace issues affecting technology transfer. The Global Center for Technology Transfer at ASU will design and administer these surveys, informing strategies to build effective relationships between universities and external stakeholders. 

“Investing in tech transfer is crucial for �¼������ϲ�'s economic future, as it bridges the gap between research and real-world solutions, creating jobs and driving growth. I'm thrilled to see our public universities' groundbreaking innovations transforming life sciences, biomedicine and high tech,” said �¼������ϲ� Board of Regents Chair Cecilia Mata. “By continuing to support our universities' tech transfer efforts through Regents’ Grants, we're investing in a brighter future for �¼������ϲ�. This strategic investment will also propel �¼������ϲ� to the forefront of technological advancements, cementing our position as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.” 

Gatorade, developed by University of Florida researchers in 1965, is a landmark example of tech transfer, turning academic innovation into a global brand.  

The U of A's Tech Launch �¼������ϲ� reported record numbers in tech transfer during the 2024 fiscal year, with 307 new inventions and nine startups launched. The program executed 75 licenses and options for U of A inventions, filed 367 patents and had 78 patents issued. The startups include Ancerix that commercializes medical devices for orthopedic surgical procedures, and Rivixl, which is developing low-cost green hydrogen production technology. 

"We're most excited about the number of invention disclosures we received this year," said Doug Hockstad, Tech Launch �¼������ϲ� associate vice president. "This represents a new record for the university, shows continued growth and means that our pipeline is strong." 

NAU collaborated with Purple Team Technologies on FEWSION, a groundbreaking platform mapping U.S. food, energy and water supply chains. BioMotum, NAU's successful spinoff company, is pioneering robotic walking restoration technologies, improving quality of life for individuals with mobility impairments.  

Mindset Medical, an ASU spinoff, is anticipating Food and Drug Administration approval of its virtual health platform, which enables patients to connect with doctors without special equipment. The company's licensed ASU technology allows providers to capture vital signs through smartphones. Researchers at ASU have also developed a membrane biofilm reactor to remove PFAS or "forever chemicals" from water using microbes.  

ASU’s Global Center for Technology Transfer is a hub for bridging the gap between technology research and managerial practice. With leading experts from 15 nations, the center advances research, identifies best practices and trains the next generation of technology transfer scholars and managers. 

The Phoenix Bioscience Core is the state’s tech-transfer hub for biomedicine and life science breakthroughs. The 30-acre district in the heart of downtown Phoenix houses the highest concentration of research scientists in the state, including representation from each of the state’s public universities. The district will also be home to the new ASU School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering. 

Sandra Watson, �¼������ϲ� Commerce Authority president and CEO, emphasized the initiative’s timely significance in a recent letter to the board. Watson wrote, "We have a unique opportunity to establish one of the world's leading clusters in life sciences and biomedicine … bringing more good paying jobs and investment to our state and enabling generational growth.”