Inventions and Innovation Program to Host Commercialization Workshop in Bethlehem, PA

November 13, 2000

The Office of Industrial Technologies' Inventions and Innovation (I&I) program will cosponsor a workshop on Industrial Research, Development, and Demonstration Funding: Networking for Commercialization Success on Thursday, December 7, 2000, in Bethlehem, PA. The workshop will offer attendees the opportunity to hear from former I&I grantees about their experiences with commercialization and commercialization strategies, along with tips on how to write successful grant applications. A U.S. Patent and Trademark Office representative will also be present to provide guidance on how to successfully apply for patents.

The workshop will include introductory remarks by Mr. Calvin Kirby, Division Chief of Technology Development, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and Ms. Diane DeVaul, Director of the Northeast Regional Resource Center for Innovation. Two I&I grantees will discuss their commercialization experience with OIT at roundtable discussions. Marcia Rorke, President of Mohawk Research, will comment on themes and common challenges in the commercialization process while Dr. Michael Vasilik from the Electrotechnology Applications Center will describe opportunities for collaborative work and demonstrate the Innovative Electron Beam technology.

A workshop entitled, "Tips for Successful Proposal Writing" will teach participants what reviewers expect in successful proposals for I&I and its sister program, the National Industrial Competitiveness through Energy, Environment, and Economics (NICE³) program. Participants will also hear from the Patent and Trademark Office's Small Investors Program about ways to apply for intellectual property protection. The workshop will include a 45 minute tour of the Electrotechnology Applications Center that will spotlight opportunities available for industrial applications.

Workshop registration is $15.00. If interested, please contact Diane DeVaul, 202-464-4009, for additional information.