The Kauffman Innovation Network has launched an interesting Web site for anyone to search for innovations that, until now, have been lost and untapped behind university walls. The iBridge Network debuted at the DEMO 07 conference in California last week.
The beta version of iBridge offers an online information exchange between university researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.
With over 700 research projects listed, the iBridge Web site is becoming a place for researchers and technology transfer officers to post research from their universities, as well as the place to go to find research occurring at other institutions.
According to Kauffman, the Web site is designed to ease the transaction burden on university technology transfer offices and encourage more open and efficient access to research. The flexible nature of the site allows universities to adapt it to best complement their existing processes for collaboration and technology transfer.
Universities may use the iBridge Web site to license and distribute a variety of items, including software, research tools, databases, teaching materials, surveys, and reference materials. Postings may include a variety of research materials and descriptions of ongoing research activities.
The iBridge Network also expands the number and scope of collaborative relationships among university researchers by increasing their awareness of existing research across the country. These relationships are a critical component in advancing innovations.