Forum Proceedings

Locate Technology Solutions

Outcomes from the Stakeholder Forum and all prior work were used to generate problem statements. Problem statements outline the need for technology, technology state-of-the-practice for products currently in the market, specifications and parameters for the "ideal technology solution," and barriers/impediments that must be overcome to achieve this ideal technology.

The T²RERC disseminates the problem statements to Federal Laboratories, advanced technology manufacturers, research institutions and other technology developers. Proposed technology solutions are submitted to T²RERC. Initially, all submitted technology solutions are non-proprietary.

The T²RERC and the Smith-Kettlewell Institute screen proposed technology solutions. Technical and industry experts review appropriate technology solutions to confirm that these solutions address the problem and are technically feasible. Following the initial review, T²RERC may request proprietary information from the technology developer. In such cases, mechanisms to protect intellectual property are worked out between the technology developer and T²RERC.

Transfer the Technology Solution

The T²RERC develops a marketing plan to present the technology to target manufacturers. This includes development of a technology disclosure that summarizes the end-user needs addressed by the technology, market opportunities, technical specifications, and the business plan for transferring the technology to the assistive technology market.

The transfer of technology can be completed through mechanisms such as direct licensing of technology to a manufacturer or a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) between a federal lab and a manufacturer.

We expect to continue disseminating the problem statements indefinitely or at least until appropriate solutions are identified and transferred. Anyone who has potential solutions to the problem statements developed from this project is encouraged to submit them to T²RERC via the internet at (http://cosmos.buffalo.edu/vision).

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