Indiana University Integrates Technology Transfer into Vice President for Research Office to Boost Innovation Commercialization

Indiana University (IU) has announced a significant reorganization and expansion of its technology transfer operations to better deliver innovations developed at the university to Indiana and beyond. Effective July 1, all technology transfer activities previously managed by the Indiana University Research and Technology Corp. (IURTC) will be transferred into the Office of the Vice President for Research.

These activities encompass the full spectrum of technology transfer functions, including receiving and evaluating invention disclosures, securing intellectual property protections, marketing technologies, and licensing innovations to established companies and startups. IU President Michael A. McRobbie highlighted the university’s leadership in technology transfer, noting recent record-breaking achievements in patents issued, licensing agreements, and revenue generation.

President McRobbie emphasized that relocating technology transfer responsibilities closer to the Office of the Vice President for Research will foster stronger connections with faculty members who are the source of commercially promising discoveries and inventions. This proximity is expected to enhance the services provided to innovators and align technology transfer efforts more closely with IU’s broader research priorities.

The integration will also enable technology transfer to leverage the greater resources and operational efficiencies available within the research office. It will facilitate seamless collaboration with related university units, including corporate and foundation relations and federal research relations, which are also housed within the research office.

Staff currently performing technology transfer duties at the nonprofit IURTC, including directors, managers, and operations personnel, will transition to university employment within the research office. These employees will maintain their existing office locations at Simon Hall in Bloomington and at 518 Indiana Avenue in Indianapolis.

The reorganization includes the addition of four new positions and promotions for existing staff. Bill Brizzard, who currently serves as director of technology commercialization in Bloomington, will be elevated to executive director. David Wilhite will continue as director of technology commercialization in Indianapolis. Oversight of technology transfer, licensing, and corporate development within the research office will be provided by Simon Atkinson, associate vice president for research and vice chancellor for research at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

The history of IU’s technology transfer efforts dates back to 1997 with the establishment of the Advanced Research and Technology Institute (ARTI), which managed intellectual property, trademarks, and business development activities. In 2007, ARTI evolved into IURTC. Over the past two decades, these efforts have resulted in more than 4,300 global patent applications filed and nearly 1,100 patents issued worldwide.

Financially, IU’s technology transfer activities have generated nearly $138 million in licensing and related income, which has been distributed to IU campuses, departments, and laboratories in accordance with the IU Intellectual Property Policy.

Following the transfer of technology transfer functions to the university, IURTC will pivot to focus more intensively on supporting startup ventures. This expanded role will include recruiting leadership and staff for IU innovation-based companies, securing capital across various development stages, providing mentorship and networking opportunities, and developing startup space and programming.

Fred H. Cate, Vice President for Research, stated, “Our goal is to ensure that IU provides a seamless array of research and innovation services, including attracting the very best faculty, staff and students; supporting their efforts to earn support through competitive grants and foundation and corporate support; ensuring effective compliance with legal requirements; identifying, protecting and licensing intellectual property; and supporting startup companies that involve IU colleagues or intellectual property.”

Cate added, “We couldn’t be better served than by the talented professionals whose skill and dedication have contributed to record-breaking results. I am delighted to welcome them to IU and to the research team.”