Technology Transfer
Turn breakthroughs into real-world impact.
Florida Poly’s Office of Technology Transfer helps faculty, staff, and students protect intellectual property (IP), build industry partnerships, and move innovations from lab to market.
What We Do
Empower Research & Innovation
Guidance on IP strategy, patents, licensing, and commercialization—from idea to market-ready solution.
Build Partnerships
We connect inventors with companies, investors, and entrepreneurs to accelerate adoption of Florida Poly technologies.
Facilitate Agreements
In coordination with the Office of General Counsel and the Office of Research Services, we streamline NDAs, Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), Sponsored Research Agreements (SRAs), and other research-related contracts.
Ensure Value
We negotiate equitable licenses and manage revenue distribution so inventors, Florida Poly, and the public benefit.
Steps For Florida Poly Innovators
- Have an idea? Meet with us early—before publishing or presenting—to discuss protection and market pathways.
- File an invention disclosure. Start the formal process so we can assess patentability and commercial potential.
- Get market insight. We evaluate prior art, potential applications, freedom-to-operate, and licensing prospects.
- Commercialize. We support startup formation, licensing, industry collaborations, and translational funding opportunities.
Steps For Industry & Investors
- License technologies. Explore ready-to-license innovations and discuss tailored license terms.
- Collaborate on R&D. Engage Florida Poly experts via sponsored research, testing, or joint development.
- Build a talent pipeline. Connect with student and faculty innovators for internships, projects, and hiring.
Policies, Procedures & Forms
For a look at policies regarding Technology Transfer, visit chapter 12 on our policies page.
- FPU-1.0061P | Intellectual Property Policy
- Patent Disclosure Form
- Procedure: How to File a Patent
- Intellectual Property Working Groups
Need a form or policy? Contact the Office of Technology Transfer at techtransfer@floridapoly.edu, and we’ll point you to the right document.
Technologies Available for Licensing
- Firearm Holster Bracket — Mechanical solution improving safety and accessibility for secured carry and storage.
- More technologies coming soon.
Interested in a technology? Reach out to discuss licensing terms or collaborative development.
Resources
Commercialization Roadmap – Disclosure → Assessment → Protection → Marketing → License/Startup → Revenue Management
FAQs
What does the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) do?
We manage the full patent and commercialization lifecycle—supporting pre-patent strategy, helping draft invention disclosures and filings, assessing prior art and market potential, and guiding policy with our IP steering committee. We also recommend which inventions the university will support for protection and commercialization.
Who owns IP created at Florida Poly?
Generally, IP created by employees in their field of expertise using university resources belongs to the university. By policy, 60% of net royalty income is returned to the inventor(s).
If federal funding (even a small amount) supported the work, the Bayh–Dole Act applies: inventions must be disclosed to the funding agency and the U.S. government retains certain usage rights.
Students or employees who create inventions with only incidental university resources and outside their university duties may own their IP. Talk with us early so we can help you determine ownership.
How do I disclose an invention?
Submit a Patent Disclosure Form. We strongly encourage scheduling a brief meeting with Dr. Terry Parker, Director of Technology Transfer, first to ensure a complete and efficient submission.
Who pays for patent costs?
Patents can be expensive to file and maintain. For university-supported inventions, Florida Poly typically covers those costs. If the university elects not to pursue or maintain a patent, inventors may assume costs themselves and take ownership, subject to policy and any sponsor obligations.
How long does patenting take?
A typical U.S. utility patent takes ~2.5 years from filing to grant; starting with a provisional application can add up to 12 months to the timeline. In select cases, we may pursue expedited examination, which can reduce pendency to around 1 year.
Can students be inventors?
Yes. Students who make a conception-level contribution beyond directed effort should be listed as inventors. Student-originated inventions created with only incidental university resources may be student-owned; the TTO can advise on strategy and next steps.
Should I publish before filing?
You can, but it’s best to file a provisional application before public disclosure (journal article, poster, thesis, website, or talk). Public disclosure can limit international rights and complicate protection. Talk with us early to keep options open.
Note: This information is for general guidance and is not legal advice. Specific outcomes depend on facts, funding, and applicable policies.
Meet the Team
Technology Transfer Steering Committee
The Technology Transfer Steering Committee brings together faculty and staff from across Florida Poly to guide innovation and support intellectual property development. Members represent a wide range of disciplines, ensuring diverse perspectives in shaping how discoveries move from campus to the marketplace.
Current Members:
- Terry Parker – Director of Technology Transfer, Committee Chair
- Ajeet Kaushik – Assistant Professor of Chemistry (representing Chemistry and Environmental Engineering)
- Derek Henderson – Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering (representing Chemistry and Environmental Engineering)
- Nathan Dawson – Associate Professor of Physics (representing Physics)
- Gerardo Carbajal – Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering (representing Mechanical Engineering)
- Karim Elish – Associate Professor of Computer Science (representing Computer Science)
- Muhammad Ullah – Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering (representing Electrical and Computer Engineering)
- Paul Hettler – Chair of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (representing AHSS and Data Science & Business Analytics)
- Patrick Zhang – Representative of the Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute (FIPR)
Contact Us
techtransfer@floridapoly.edu
