Tech Transfer
Welcome to the Innovation & Partnerships Division
The Griffiss Institute’s Innovation & Partnerships Division fosters open innovation between government, academia, and industry to enhance national security and economic competitiveness. Located in the Innovare Advancement Center, we provide access to unique government resources, state-of-the-art technologies, and specialized equipment. Through our Tech Transfer & Innovation Portal, we connect researchers and industry leaders, offering support with invention disclosures, patents, licensing, and tech transfer to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact.
Contact Our Tech Transfer Team
Tanya Weller
Senior Manager, Commercialization & Innovation
tweller@griffissinstitute.org
Kurt W.R. Bessel
Senior Manager, Intellectual Property and Inventor Support
kbessel@griffissinstitute.org
What Can We Do For You?
Technology transfer, in the context of government labs such as Rome Labs, involves two parts: creating novel technology and licensing of that technology. You can be involved in either part of this process. Both parts of this process are important to the development and growth of our nation’s economy.
Are You at Rome Labs?
The Griffiss Institute’s Innovation & Partnerships (I&P) team is dedicated to supporting Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) employees at Rome Labs. We provide expert guidance on invention disclosures, patents, licensing, and commercialization to help transition groundbreaking research into real-world impact. From drafting IP disclosures to navigating the tech transfer process, our team is here to help protect and advance your innovations.
- Invention Disclosures
- Patents & Licensing
- Commercialization
- Tech Transfer Guidance
Are You a Startup?
The HUSTLE Defense Accelerator, powered by Griffiss Institute, connects startups with the resources and mentorship needed to solve mission-critical challenges for the Department of War. Join HUSTLE to collaborate in specialized cohorts, tackle real-world problems, and accelerate your innovation toward implementation. Ready to make an impact? Bring your solution to HUSTLE!
Are You a Company or Organization?
Tech transfer for industries brings research innovations into commercial use, offering access to patents, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), Exclusive Partnership Agreements (EPAs), Commercial Technology Agreements (CTAs), and Information Transfer Agreements (ITAs). These agreements foster collaboration, accelerate commercialization, and reduce development costs, helping companies and organizations enhance innovation, stay competitive, and quickly bring new products to market.
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA)
The most common and flexible way for federal labs to work with the public sector, and vice versa. The Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) is one of the most significant mechanisms for T2, and through them a federal lab can commit resources such as personnel, facilities, equipment, intellectual property, or other resources – but not funds – to any interested nonfederal party.
Commercial Technology Agreement (CTA)
The Commercial Test Agreement (CTA) can offer access to the Air Force’s large number of unique resources, such as its “best and brightest” scientists and engineers, and unique, world-class Air Force laboratories and test facilities.
Educational Partnership Agreement (EPA)
The Educational Partnership Agreement (EPA) is a formal agreement between a defense laboratory and an educational institution to transfer and/ or enhance technology applications and to provide technology assistance for all levels of education (pre-kindergarten and up).
Information Transfer Agreement (ITA)
ITA’s allow the Air Force to share government developed software. Software executable files, source codes, or both may be shared under the agreement with industry or academic partner.
Tanya Waite
Senior Manager, Commercialization & Innovation
twaite@griffissinstitute.org
Kurt W.R. Bessel
Senior Manager, Intellectual Property and Inventor Support
kbessel@griffissinstitute.org
Helpful Links
Explore our available technology through TechLink, one of our partners. TechLink contains the most comprehensive database on government intellectual property.
The HUSTLE Defense Accelerator, powered by Griffiss Institute, connects startups with the resources and mentorship needed to solve mission-critical challenges for the DoW.
This is an online tool to connect potential partners with the tech and experts from the Department of the Air Force. This is another resource to discover opportunities to partner with the DoW.
The FLC is a nationwide network of 300+ federal labs and agencies dedicated to accelerating federal technologies from the lab to the marketplace through commercialization.
Q4I connects you with global experts to explore quantum innovation, cutting-edge trends, and key collaborations. Join live keynotes, engage in discussions, and showcase your own work.
Hear from specialized speakers across various sectors as they share their insights through workshops, public chats, seminars, podcasts, and Lunch & Learns.
Information Institute connects academia with AFRL Information Directorate, providing access to experts, data, programs, and facilities for collaborative IT research across disciplines.
Coffee and Concepts is a local networking event series that exists to disrupt barriers and stir up robust conversations at the intersection of tech and community!
AFRL Information Directorate is a leader in advancing information and driving innovation in cybersecurity, AI, quantum computing, and communications for national defense.
