The Center for Materials and Sensor Characterization provides expert analysis and assistance for companies in the fields of materials, biology and environmental sciences.
The three-year-old center helps startups and established companies test protocols when initiating new products or services, as well as provides ongoing or short-term services.
“Our main objective is to serve UT researchers and Ohio-based companies by helping them troubleshoot their problems and provide solutions,” said Dr. Joseph Lawrence, director of the center. “Our lab is a core facility with state-of-the-art equipment and advanced analysis capabilities. We strive to provide the highest quality service and attention to customer needs.”
For the past five years, UT has been an active member of BioOhio, a nonprofit bioscience membership and development organization committed to connecting demand for biological products and services with Ohio entities that can fill those needs.
The UT Technology Transfer Office, BioOhio and other organizations play a critical role in connecting the University’s research initiatives to companies with the knowledge, experience and financial stability to bring the fruits of that research to the marketplace.
A Lab-to-Launch initiative has been developed at the University that partners UT’s technology transfer team with Rocket Ventures and UT Innovation Enterprises to accelerate the transfer of research to the market. The technology transfer team works closely with research faculty to identify and promote high-potential platform technologies and expedite the transfer innovations derived from University research into commercial products and services, with particular emphasis on regional economic development.
As a one-stop center for technology commercialization, Lab-to-Launch provides a clear pathway from laboratory innovation to the commercial market, Lawrence said.
The benefits of UT’s membership in BioOhio and collaborative efforts recently were highlighted when Columbus-based IR Diagnostyx (IRDx) needed to identify a laboratory with expertise in infrared microspectroscopic analysis.
IRDx utilized its membership in BioOhio to locate an Ohio laboratory with the needed expertise and ultimately chose UT’s Center for Materials and Sensor Characterization for its responsiveness, expertise, and simple and expedient commercial contracting process.
“The initial analysis was so successful that the plan is to continue to provide services to IRDx on a long-term contractual basis,” Lawrence said.
UT faculty, staff and students are encouraged to take advantage of the benefits of the Lab-to-Launch program and membership in BioOhio. Advantages include the ability to post contact information on the BioOhio “supplier” website to encourage commercial and sponsored academic research collaborations with other members; the chance to engage in BioOhio programs and/or networking opportunities; utilization of BioOhio as a technical resource for connecting companies with UT; and access to tap BioOhio’s marketing expertise to help spread the word about the services and capabilities UT labs and researchers offer.
For more information about the UT Center for Materials and Sensor Characterization, visit eng.utoledo.edu/cmsc. To take advantage of membership benefits of BioOhio, visit bioohio.com/membership/Benefits.aspx.
For assistance with your discovery or invention, visit the UT Technology Transfer Office here.
