Faculty/Staff Startup Guide for technology-based businesses: Making the transition from research to a commercial enterprise.

Main Overview
Business Development
Technology Development
Intellectual Property
ISU Administrative Responsibilities
Startup Guide (PDF)

Technology Development

Overview

Development of your company’s product can be challenging both in technical and financial terms. The facilitators listed below can link you to scientists, engineers, facilities, and financial resources to help transfer your technology from the laboratory to marketplace.

Facilitators

Deb Amenson
IPRT Company Assistance
305 TASF
Phone: 515-294-8849
Email: damenson@iastate.edu

Carey Novak
IPRT Company Assistance
255A ASC II
Phone: 515-294-2293
Email: cnovak@iastate.edu

Research and Technical Development Assistance

The Institute for Physical Research and Technology (IPRT) helps faculty entrepreneurs and early-stage startups leverage their research and development resources through projects that address product development, industrial technical problems, and process improvement. Assistance takes several forms such as short-term, no-cost assistance or cost-shared contract research and development projects.

IPRT will meet with you to review your technical plans and implement an early-stage technology commercialization strategy. IPRT will advise you on research and development resources, including facilities, scientists, and engineers. Activities include proof-of-concept applications, early-stage prototypes, and collaborative research agreements.

The Center for Industrial Research & Service (CIRAS) provides engineering services. CIRAS can assess and implement the design, manufacture, and operation of efficient and economical structures, machines, processes, and systems. Expertise includes product design, development and engineering; rapid prototyping, finite element analysis, quality, and simulation, including plant layout and factory flow.

No-cost, short-term technical assistance in materials-related areas is also provided by IPRT. Materials and metallurgical questions, issues related to inspection and measurement of components, or developing inspection techniques and procedures can be addressed.

Financing Technical Development

Financing technical development is a challenge, but there are resources available to help you finance the research you need to move your technology from the laboratory to the marketplace.

• Cost Sharing Research and Development Funds
  Facilitators will review your potential research project and assess whether the R&D effort qualifies for cost-sharing funds. There are funds for entrepreneurs and early-stage companies working to develop new tech-based products, as well as for more mature companies addressing technical problem solving, product development, and process improvement.
• Technology Development and Commercialization Funds
  A variety of units have annual calls for proposals for research projects that focus on proof-of-concept applications and target university research that can lead to business start-ups and/or collaboration with Iowa entrepreneurs. In addition, the Iowa State University Research Foundation (ISURF) has a seed fund to support further development of disclosed technologies that have commercial potential.
• Federal Research and Development Funds
  Another important resource for technology development is the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Federal agencies release thousands of requests for specific research and development proposals from small businesses under the SBIR and STTR programs. These solicitations provide a commercialization opportunity for faculty research. ISU will work with you to sort through these federal requests, find relevant solicitations, and assist in proposal development.
• Short-Term, No-Cost Assistance
  If you have formed an Iowa company, you may qualify for IPRT’s short-term, no-cost technical assistance. Projects are limited in scope to 40 hours or less and address materials-related research.