Florida University Research Funds Up by $36.5 Million in 2006; Research and Commercialization Agreements Increase by 24% over 2005
DATELINE: MIAMI
Public and private sector investments in research at major Florida universities were up $36.5 million between 2005 and 2006, totaling more than $1.6 billion in 2006, according to a new survey.
Licensing income increased for Florida universities, and university researchers applied for and were issued more patents than in 2005, according to the survey by the Technology Transfer Directors of 13 Florida research universities coordinated through the Technology Transfer Office at Florida State University. Results were announced Tuesday at the Fourth Annual Florida Tech Transfer Conference in Miami.
Florida university researchers were issued 156 U.S. patents in 2006, up from 132 the prior year. The survey reported that 337 licenses generated revenue for universities last year, up from 321 in 2005. Licensing income totaled over $47 million, up over $3.7 million from 2005 and a reversal of that year's downward trend due to the phasing out in the marketplace of several successful products based on Florida university inventions. Invention disclosures were down slightly, however, with a total of 636 filings versus 687 in 2005.
"Florida universities are gaining national and international recognition for their innovative approaches for bringing university-developed technologies to the marketplace," said David Day, director of technology licensing at the University of Florida. "Whether it's working with a large multinational company or facilitating the creation of a Florida-based startup company, our state's research universities are producing inventions that run the gamut from lifesaving drugs to alternative sources of energy and have a positive impact on the lives of millions of people around the globe."
The total number of licenses and options executed in 2006 was 130, up from 123 the prior year. An initiative undertaken in recent years by the state's universities to do more business with companies operating in Florida continues to pay off. A total of 40 agreements were executed with Florida companies in 2006, up from 28 in 2005. The survey also reported further success in Florida universities' efforts to facilitate the creation of technology based startups. In 2006, state universities executed licensing agreements with a total of 23 startups -- 14 with equity -- according to the survey.
Universities participating in the survey included 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 University of West Florida.
About the Florida Research Consortium
The Florida Research Consortium is a not-for-profit strategic partnership between Florida's universities, the business community and state government. For more information, visitwww.floridaresearch.org.
CONTACT: For Florida Research Consortium, Miami
Michelle Bauer, 727-510-2524
mbauer@smgflorida.com