Technology Transfer and Innovation Forum Series

Wednesday, December 14, 2011
12:00 Noon - 2:00 PM

Topic: 

New Models of Technology Transfer and Commercialization:  A Partnership with USDA and the Maryland Technology Development Corp.

Presenters:

James Poulos, III, -  Technology Transfer Coordinator, USDA Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Beltsville 

Robbie Melton - Director, Entrepreneurial Innovation, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO).   

Location:
Southeastern Universities Research Association
1201 New York Ave. NW, Suite 430
Washington, DC 20005

Presentation:

This partnership is national and local.  Its formal name is Agricultural Technology Innovation Partnershipprogram (ATIP) and it connects the USDA primarily through the research arm of the USDA the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to local Economic Development Agencies like TEDCO across the United States. ATIP establishes a working economic development network between and among the parties. The Network has the infrastructure and resident expertise to direct efforts toward rural America job creation and sustainable economic development through adoption of science based research outcomes arising from USDA research.  ATIP has been recognized by the President as a novel model for other federal R&D agencies (A Strategy for American Innovation: Securing our Economic Growth and Prosperity, The White House, February 2011).  In August 2011, the ATIP members created the ATIP Foundation to further advance their goals through private sector engagement.

The Maryland Agriculture and Business Innovation Forums created in partnership with TEDCO and USDA is a novel approach to disseminating technology into the hands of farmers and agri-business.  This unique approach begins with a listening session to tailor the specific needs of the region to make the forums more relevant in presenting technology for commercialization.