iBRIDGE NETWORK NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
| CONTACT: |
Samantha Lasky 202-257-5327 Samantha@Consultant.iBridgeNetwork.org |
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INTERACTIVE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH TOOL
INTRODUCED AT DEMO 07
Researchers, Investors and Industry have a new Web site
to find the latest innovations and technologies
Palm Desert, CA (January 30, 2007) – Searching for the “missing link” to research just got easier. The iBridgeSM Network, a program of the Kauffman Innovation Network, Inc., and its accompanying Web site, debuted today at DEMO 07, the premier launch venue for new products, technologies and companies. University researchers, industry representatives, and entrepreneurs can use the iBridge Web site to search for innovations that, until now, have been lost and untapped behind university walls.
With over 700 research projects listed, the iBridge Web site, www.iBridgeNetwork.org, is fast becoming the place for researchers and technology transfer officers to post research from their universities, as well as the place to go to find research occurring at other institutions. The Web site is designed to ease the transaction burden on university technology transfer offices and encourage more open and efficient access to research. The flexible nature of the site allows universities to adapt it to best complement their existing processes for collaboration and technology transfer.
Universities may use the iBridge Web site to license and distribute a variety of items, including software, research tools, databases, teaching materials, surveys, and reference materials. Postings may include a variety of research materials and descriptions of ongoing research activities.
This dynamic, real-time exchange of ideas and innovations across multiple universities has the potential to spawn a host of cutting-edge technology, products, and services that might otherwise never be launched.
“I am delighted that the Kauffman Innovation Network is launching the iBridge Network at DEMO,” said Chris Shipley, executive producer of DEMO. “Technology, combined with the power of relationships, is ultimately what leads to a successful launch of new innovation into the marketplace.
“The ability to access innovations and build social networks at the same time ensures that the iBridge Network will lead to some fascinating discoveries. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some of those breakthroughs play out at future DEMO events.”
The iBridge Network also expands the number and scope of collaborative relationships among university researchers by increasing their awareness of existing research across the country. These relationships are a critical component in advancing innovations.
“Universities are tremendous wellsprings of knowledge,” said Laura Dorival Paglione, Director of the Kauffman Innovation Network, which manages the iBridge Network. “By encouraging widespread access to information and linking researchers with interested parties, we are hoping to more fully realize the innovation potential that research offers.”
In fact, the current lack of collaboration among university researchers is remarkable. According to the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), over $40 billion is spent on academic research annually, though only $1 billion makes it off of university shelves in the form of new inventions and research. Even a modest improvement in accessibility and transparency has the potential to yield huge social and economic returns.
Realizing this potential, industry representatives and entrepreneurs have already begun to express interest in the iBridge Network and the items posted on the Web site. Many see this as a unique opportunity to access early-stage innovations or acquire a missing piece of a technology that may aid the development of a new product or service.
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The iBridgeSM Network is a program of the Kauffman Innovation Network, Inc., an initiative of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City. To learn more, visit www.iBridgeNetwork.org, e-mail us at info@iBridgeNetwork.org, or call 800-573-5136.
More information about the Kauffman Foundation is available at www.kauffman.org.
