Transitional Research
Transitional research can be funded by either government or industry. Typically, transitional research focuses on demonstrating technical feasibility of technologies and reducing risk in the transition from the laboratory to market. The focus of transitional research is on known, rather than emerging, markets.
Incubating Research
Incubating research focuses on innovative ideas for new applications and emerging markets. Seed funding to support this type of research can be supported by various sources. Ultimately, incubating research could result in a spin-out company funded by leveraging various sources, such as SBIR/STTR grants, development contracts, debt financing, and venture capital.
Near-term R&D Support to Industry
ITA can also facilitate near-term research and development projects that support industry needs by leveraging its flexible infrastructure to enable access to university expertise. The ITA can enable industry service agreements.
ITA Support to University Researchers
The ITA, as an organization and through its Technology Strategists, is a conduit to local, state, and federal government agencies, industry, and the venture capital investment community. The ITA will also support filing of high-value intellectual property through its programs, all coordinated with UCLA’s Office of Intellectual Property.
ITA’s Technology Strategists provide support to develop researchers’ concepts and ideas. Their industry experience and knowledge can help understand and assess the potential value of the concepts. The Technology Strategists can assist in “packaging” the concept to be most effective in attracting potential partners and funding. If successful in securing funding, the Technology Strategists can manage the programs and facilitate communications. They can also facilitate intellectual property capture and transition, including licensing of the technology, and establishing spin-out companies that may result.
ITA’s Technology Strategists can also help bring research opportunities to university researchers. They are able to match external needs from government or industry to university expertise. They are also able to formulate solution-driven, multi-disciplinary teams to address external research and development opportunities. Technology Strategists will also support developing strategies and proposals to funding agencies and potential technology transition partners they identify.