German company Erler-Zimmer licensed the rights to produce IV training arms for students in medical professions using Mizzou's know-how and production methods developed by inventor Damon Coyle.
Technical expertise from Mizzou inventors and an analysis of scientific and patent literature, possible competitors and other factors guide the Technology Advancement team’s marketing and intellectual property strategies.
In most cases, an invention with a patent, copyright, trademark or other protection is an incentive for a company to invest in commercializing it. This intellectual property also can lead to successful grant proposals, new funding opportunities and partnerships that increase the odds that the research will result in a product or service.
Two Mizzou commercial products recently had first sales: an adult training arm used by students in medical professions to practice IV administration and UMCA® PQK chestnut seedlings from a hybrid chestnut tree.
Mizzou's Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center developed the UMCA® PQK chestnut trees.
The Erler-Zimmer company licensed and is selling the realistic training arm, designed by Damon Coyle, simulation innovation specialist at the Russell D. and Mary B. Shelden Clinical Simulation Center.
"There are many adult IV arms on the market, but most are male; ours is female," said Dena Higbee, Shelden Center director. "It also stands out because of the quality of skin performance and feel, self-healing qualities for a greater number of IV attempts, easy maintenance and realistic flashback. Tech transfer has been a great partner in helping move items outside of the walls of the university and our own training purposes."
Last year, the University of Missouri was granted 23 U.S. patents for a variety of faculty and staff inventions, including plant and animal biotechnology, devices, tools, therapeutics, diagnostics, software and engineering solutions. Industry partners interested in further developing a Mizzou invention sign licensing agreements.
Sam Bish, senior technology transfer manager, said the Technology Advancement office executed the university's first-ever nut tree license agreement for UMCA® PQK Chestnuts.
"The chestnut industry is growing quickly in the eastern and midwestern U.S., doubling in acreage from 2017-22," said Ron Revord, assistant research professor in the School of Natural Resources and interim director of the MU Center for Agroforestry. "We've had a great experience working with Sam to add tree nut releases to his office's scope."
Learn more by contacting the Technology Advancement office at 573-882-6013 or techadvancement@missouri.edu.