:::: OTT's Investment in A Cutting-Edge Innovation Management System Yields Returns ::::
In 2001, the OTT was a beta test site for an innovation management system specifically designed for technology transfer offices developed by Knowledge Sharing Systems (www.knowledgesharing.com) , a NASA spin-off company. The software, now marketed as TechTracS®, is being used by 31 university technology transfer offices, as well as research hospitals, the NIH, the US Army and several private companies.
Thanks to a service agreement reached when OTT agreed to serve as the beta test site, NC State has access to the entire TechTracS® product line at a reduced cost. In the past three years, we have leveraged this partnership to roll out several improvements to our day-to-day operations.
:::: TechFinder ® – a Premiere Technology Marketing Tool ::::
The OTT began using TechFinder® in 2007 as a tool for promoting technologies to potential commercial partners. This searchable web site is automatically populated by TechTracS®, and has become a crucial component of the OTT’s marketing strategy. By providing non-confidential technology summaries hosted on OTT’s website, we enable OTT industry partners to get a “sneak peak” at up-and-coming technologies. The OTT also uses TechFinder® to assist with our push-marketing efforts, by cross-referencing companies identified in TechTracS® as having a synergistic technology focus, contacting them and sending them to our TechFinder® portal for more information: http://techfinder.ncsu.edu/
:::: Coming Attraction for NCSU Inventors: Online Invention Disclosures ::::
As we move into Fiscal Year 2010, the OTT is preparing to launch an Online Invention Disclosure portal. This portal is anticipated to drastically reduce the amount of time required by NCSU faculty and staff to submit an invention disclosure. In addition, the portal will automate the electronic routing of the disclosure around campus for appropriate Department and College-level approvals, reducing paper waste and resulting in a shorter review timeline.
:::: Increased Transparency through Manager’s Portal ::::
For the past two years, the OTT has been providing College Deans and Department Heads with quarterly summaries of the activity associated with their college and department. In order to allow NCSU administrators access to real-time analysis of activity associated with their college, OTT has entered into an agreement with Knowledge Sharing Systems to roll out Manager’s Portal during FY2010. Manager's Portal will increase OTT's level of transparency by giving administrators direct, unfettered access to the technology, agreement and patent activity associated with their college and department in an easy-to-use, web-based access portal.
OTT’s continued investment in Knowledge Sharing System’s innovation management software allows us to remain on the cutting edge of customer service enhancements to NC State’s faculty and staff, and to continue to build and foster relationships with potential licensees in the business community.