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Once again, USF is among the top public universities in the nation for generating new inventions

 
Published Oct. 24, 2016

TAMPA — Once again, the University of South Florida ranks among the best schools in the nation when it comes to spreading research breakthroughs from the lab to the marketplace.

USF ranked ninth nationally among U.S. universities for license and option agreements with companies that have contracted to further develop research into commercial products. The 133 agreements in the fiscal year that ended June 30 represent a record for the school, a 12 percent increase over the previous fiscal year at an institution dedicated to commercializing research.

"Economic development is one of USF's most important missions," said USF system president Judy Genshaft in an announcement of the achievement. "Through innovation and invention, our talented faculty and students are at the forefront of projects that are producing new technologies, developing new cures and making life better for others."

USF has been in the top 10 nationally among public universities in generating new inventions for the past six years, according to rankings by the Intellectual Property Owners Association and the National Academy of Inventors. A quarter-century ago, the school established a Technology Transfer Office for Patents and Licensing, where staffers help faculty and student entrepreneurs with fundraising, developing a business plan, getting in front of venture capital groups, navigating the patent process and other assistance.

It had 105 patents granted in fiscal 2016. Hundreds of plaques bearing the patents granted over the years line the hallways of the school's USF Connect building.

Nine startup companies sprang from USF in the fiscal year, including those repurposing waste to create sustainable sources of nutrients, energy and water and a guided particle system technology for the defense/aerospace, medical, consumer electronics and automotive industries.

Four of the 20 inductees in the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame are USF faculty members or practice at Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute.

"At USF, we understand the value of patents and commercialization and the positive effect that a commitment to translating our research can have," said Paul Sanberg, senior vice president for research, innovation and economic development and one of those four members of the Hall of Fame. "The advantages to universities range from enhancing student success and supporting a high level of scholarship among faculty to increased opportunities for research funding, access to unrestricted funds for further institutional investment, greater prestige, and economic development."

The Hall and the National Academy of Inventors are based at USF.

Contact Jerome R. Stockfisch at jstockfisch@tampabay.com.