Florida Universities Increase Intellectual Property and Licensing Activity.

TAMPA, Fla. -- Universities to Share Technology Ideas with Business Leaders at the 2nd Annual Florida Tech Transfer Conference

Patents issued to Florida's university system are up seven percent from 2003 to 2004, according to a survey conducted by the Technology Transfer Office at Florida State University.

The survey looked at patents issued by 12 Florida universities and their economic impact. Results are expected to be released at the 2nd Annual Florida Tech Transfer Conference, May 18-19, in Orlando, Florida at the Hilton Walt Disney World.

"Strong relationships between technology transfer officers at Florida's universities and the business community are playing a critical role in transferring pure research into economic benefits for the state," said John Fraser, director of technology transfer at Florida State University. "It's important to continue to foster partnerships between universities and industry so that together we can turn research into viable businesses and more high-paying jobs."

According to the survey, university technology officers received 616 invention disclosures from researchers in 2004 compared to 552 in 2003. From these and prior disclosures, 505 patent applications were filed by Florida universities. Notably, 127 patents were issued in 2004, up from 119 in 2003. In addition 99 licenses were executed in 2004, up from 91 in 2003. The survey also points out that 270 licenses are generating revenue for Florida Universities in 2004 compared to 236 in 2003.

"A strong economy relies on effective development and commercialization of technology," said David Day, director of the office of technology licensing and the Sid Martin biotechnology incubator at the University of Florida. "The innovations and discoveries brought to the private sector by university research benefit society by providing new jobs and products that improve our quality of life."

Universities surveyed include Florida Atlantic University, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of Miami, University of North Florida, University of South Florida, University of West Florida and Florida Institute of Technology. University representatives will discuss their patented research at the Florida Tech Transfer Conference.

"The Florida Tech Transfer Conference offers the best opportunity for the private sector to discover new technologies available for commercialization and licensing from Florida's top research universities," said Jack Sullivan, president and CEO of the Florida Research Consortium. "This annual event builds ties between the public and private sectors giving Florida's researchers a competitive advantage over other states."

The Central Florida Technology Partnership will join the Florida Research Consortium and Tampa Bay Technology Forum in producing this year's Florida Tech Transfer Conference, and the University of Central Florida will be the host university. The Florida High Tech Corridor Council and Florida Trend's Research Florida are the event's premier sponsors.

The opening day schedule includes the Innovation Florida showcase, featuring eleven promising university spin out companies seeking capital and business partners, and a Technology Expo, where attendees and the media will view live demonstrations of products and prototypes developed by university researchers. On May 19, 13 of Florida's top research universities will exhibit and present in breakout sessions and posters technologies available for commercialization and licensing. Sessions will also feature industry leaders and university tech transfer professionals discussing how to work with universities and partner for profit.

Conference fees are $245 for Florida Research Consortium and Tampa Bay Technology Forum members. Regular registration fees are $295 for members, $345 for non-members through May 11th. University participants and students receive substantially reduced pricing on conference fees. A special room rate of $159 per night is available at the Hilton Walt Disney World. To reserve, call [phone] and mention code FTT. Registration is available online at www.flatechtransfer.org.

Participating universities include Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Institute of Technology, Florida International University, Florida State University, Nova Southeastern University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of Miami, University of North Florida, University of South Florida and the University of West Florida.

Announced sponsors for the conference to date include the Florida High Tech Corridor Council; Florida Trend's Research Florida; Senniger, Powers; Panzer, Maurer, and Maynard PA; Nova Southeastern University; Akerman Senterfitt; BusinessWire; Edwards & Angell, LLP; Creative Recycling Systems; Saliwanchik, Lloyd & Saliwanchik; UK Trade & Investment; UTEK Corporation; Holland and Knight, LLP; HP; Oracle; Fowler White Boggs Banker; Measured Progress and the Kraft Insurance Agency. Tucker Hall is the event's Media and Public Relations sponsor. For more information about the 2nd Annual Florida Tech Transfer Conference, visit the web site at www.flatechtransfer.org.

About the Conference Producers

The Florida Research Consortium (FRC) is a not-for-profit strategic partnership between Florida's universities, the business community and state government. For more information, visit www.floridaresearch.org.

The Tampa Bay Technology Forum (TBTF) is a trade association dedicated to growing Tampa Bay's technology businesses and promoting the region as a major center of entrepreneurship and innovation. For more information, visit www.tbtf.org.

The Central Florida Technology Partnership (CFTP) is a program managed by the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) in partnership with the Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC), Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the University of Central Florida (UCF) Office of Research. For more information, visit www.orlandoedc.com.