Sponsored Programs Administration
Technology 
Transfer
...partnering the university with industry
For Industry Partners | For University Researchers | Forms | Staff |
For Industry Partners
- Building Relationships
- Proper Protection Benefits Everyone
- Sponsored Research
- Research Inquiry
- Technologies Available for Licensing
Building Relationships:
NDSU has an impressive
array of highly qualified and skilled researchers, conducting basic and applied
research in a wide variety of disciplines. The discoveries over the years
have truly advanced scientific knowledge, helped industries and companies
succeed in the marketplace, and been of benefit to the citizens of our state
and society as a whole.
In NDSU's many collaborations with other entities, the NDSU/TTO seeks to protect the proprietary information of our own researchers, as well as respect the boundaries of our research partners. Successful commercialization of a discovery often depends on the confidentiality and protection of those early research efforts.
Proper Protection Benefits Everyone:
As a land-grant institution, NDSU is a tax-exempt, non-profit educational institution existing under the Constitution and other laws of the State of North Dakota. Buildings and equipment are often financed under tax exempt bonds. In particular, under IRS Rev. Proc. 97-14, NDSU cannot offer a sponsor of research the opportunity to obtain any resulting Intellectual Property (IP) on a royalty-free basis. Private business use of these facilities may also have tax consequences for NDSU and/or may affect the university's tax-exempt status.
Another condition is also relevant if an invention is funded in whole or in part by federal funds: the Bayh-Dole Act applies, and the federal government has a right to the invention if they choose to exercise that right.
When a researcher seeks third-party research funding, such as sponsored research funds from corporate, consortia or private granting agencies, each funding agreement contains provisions that will specifically address intellectual property rights to the resulting research products. The Sponsored Programs Administration office negotiates these third-party funding agreements. In the last several years, NDSU has expanded its research efforts significantly, reaching around $100 million annually, partnering with hundreds of private companies and government agencies to research questions of interest. We welcome the opportunity to work with you.
Sponsored Research:
Any organization, either private or government, that would like to sponsor research at NDSU should work with the Sponsored Program Administration, whose role it is to encourage, facilitate, and supportthe efforts of NDSU faculty and staff in pursuit of external funding to support their research
and scholarly activities.
The SPA office also ensures that research and other scholarly activities, particularly activities supported by external sources, observe the policies and procedures of the University, state, federal, and other sponsors. They are also the entity within NDSU that is authorized to negotiate and sign sponsored research agreements. Their website is http://www.ndsu.edu/research/spa.
Research inquiry:
Many times, a company
is looking for a fast answer for their development needs. By collaborating
with NDSU researchers on new efforts or contacting the NDSU Research Foundation
(NDSU/RF) for technologies available for license, there may be pathways to
success waiting to be discovered.
If your company would like added information about a particular topic, please complete the attached form and have it returned to the NDSUTTO. The NDSU/RF can also facilitate discussions regarding technologies available for license, or you can view them at www.ndsuresearchfoundation.org.
Industry Research Inquiry Form
Last Updated: 10/11/06
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