TechExchange Online: A First-of-Its-Kind Platform for Technology Transfer and Commercialization

TechExchange Online (TEO), launched by the Enterprise Development Corp. of South Florida, is a not-for-profit online platform designed to promote technology transfer and commercialization. This innovative platform offers a free listing service for companies, research labs, and inventors seeking buyers or licensees for their patents and products. TEO has already secured sponsorships from major international corporations, including IBM, Pratt & Whitney, and Motorola, as well as the support of Quarles & Brady, a law firm with a significant intellectual property practice. The platform allows companies to list their technologies, and individuals can access the site to locate licenses for their new technologies and products.

Key Takeaways:

• TEO is designed to promote technology transfer and commercialization by offering free listings to companies, research labs, and inventors seeking buyers or licensees for their patents and products.
• The platform allows companies to list their technologies by following a simple online listing process, and includes essential information about the technology.
• Companies and individuals can list their technologies and services, including lawyers, management consultants, bankers, and accounting professionals.
• The site enables companies to purchase banners and other sponsored content, such as white papers and "Ask the Expert" listings, for higher visibility.
• TEO has attracted hundreds of listings from corporations and universities seeking licensees and strategic partners.
• The site includes a searchable database, known as the "Armchair Browser," which allows users to browse technology listings by category.
• The Enterprise Development Corp. designed the site as a new way to help fledgling businesses and entrepreneurs locate licenses for their new technologies and products.
• TEO encourages professional service providers to list their services, including skills critical to growing a successful business.

Statistics:

• TEO was launched on July 30, 1998, with a soft launch in June 1998.
• The platform has attracted hundreds of listings from corporations and universities seeking licensees and strategic partners.
• The site allows companies to list their technologies in categories such as aerospace, automotive, biological products, biotechnology, chemicals, communications, computer hardware, electronics, energy, healthcare, instrumentation, machinery, optics, software, telecommunications, and others.
• Companies seeking higher visibility on the site can purchase banners and other sponsored content, such as white papers and "Ask the Expert" listings.

Sources:

• Enterprise Development Corp. of South Florida press release, July 30, 1998
• Business Wire, "Tapping the Global Reach of the World Wide Web," July 30, 1998