Downtown event provides insight on Air Force partnerships

  • Published
  • By Mindy Cooper
  • Air Force Technology Transfer Program

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – The Air Force Research Laboratory 711th Human Performance Wing and the Wright Brothers Institute teamed up to share information with the Dayton business community about partnership opportunities. WBI serves as an Air Force Partnership Intermediary to help market available technology.

The free event, called “Bench to Business,” was held at the downtown WBI location Nov. 1. For the first half of the day scientists from the 711HPW held an internal session to share stories about the technology transfer process.

“It’s important that 711 HPW researchers who have taken their technologies from the bench to business showcase their accomplishments and to also share stories with their colleagues,” said Sabra Tomb, one of the event organizers and a 711HPW technology transfer specialist.  “This way other researchers can learn about the process and possibilities available to them.”

Members of the community were invited to attend afternoon sessions presented by 711HPW personnel to learn more about the technology transfer mechanisms available for working with the Air Force. Of particular interest were patent licensing and cooperative research and development agreements.

A small panel was convened to share information about the successful partnership between 711HPW and Dayton start-up company GlobalFlyte. Last year the company licensed patented Air Force technology developed by 711HPW scientists. Participants in the panel included Dr. Brian Simpson, inventor of the technology; Tim Shaw, founder of GlobalFlyte, and Dr. James Kearns from the 711HPW Office of Research and Technology Applications.

“Knowing these opportunities are available is very beneficial to the audience,” said Tomb.

TechLink, a Department of Defense Partnership Intermediary, also presented and shared with the audience ways to find and license technology. Attendees were given time to ask questions and network during the event.

WBI is hoping to turn Bench to Business into a regular series to spread awareness about technology transfer opportunities and bolster the relationship between the Air Force and area businesses.

To learn more about technology transfer opportunities and events, contact the Air Force Technology Transfer Program office at (937) 904-9830 or email af.techtransfer@us.af.mil.