ROCForward: November 2013
The University of Rochester Innovation Advisory Network gathered during Meliora Weekend in October for a conversation with Senior Vice President of Research Rob Clark and Associate Vice President for Innovation and Technology Commercialization Scott Catlin.
Caitlin updated the group on the reorganization of the Office of Technology Transfer and the launch of UR Ventures. He also provided a review of the Technology Development Fund’s progress to date:
- The Fund has supported 11 projects since its inception, 8 of which are moving forward;
- A total of $766,000 has been committed to these projects;
- 60 percent of the project are in the life sciences, 40 percent in engineering;
- The Fund receives more proposals than it can support and the quality improves with each application cycle..
The Institute of Optics also hosted its Industrial Associates meeting Meliora Weekend, celebrating “60 Years of Innovation.” Approximately 160 companies have been started by some 115 optics alumni and faculty. Panels and keynotes speakers addressed topics such as “what I wish I had known,” “why start a company,” and “developing, growing, and selling your company.” A group of about 200 came together for this event, supporting and encouraging the University’s relationship between optics and entrepreneurship, honoring the success seen thus far, and aiming towards continued achievement in the future.
In October, Peter and Kathy Landers, both University of Rochester alumni and actively involved with various aspects of the University, hosted a special George Eastman Circle event at Monroe County Club at which both Rob Clark and Scott Catlin spoke with 80 guests regarding funding opportunities within our revised Technology Transfer efforts. Several individuals who attended have since joined the George Eastman Circle and have designated their gifts to Technology Commercialization.