Connect

1. Scan Assess IdentifyCo. &Screen Connect Assess Scan Identify Fed opp. Federal Initiated Industry Initiated FirstLink Process • Technology Transfer • Spin-Out • Spin-In • Processes • Technology Transfer • SCANS federal R&D Initiatives and Private Industry for technologies. • ASSESSES the viability of these assets though direct feedback from first responders, as well as through technology, market, and business concept research and validation. • Once a concept proves viable IDENTIFY candidate entities that may have a strategic interest in advancing and integrating the asset into a product(s) or service(s) • Finally, we facilitate the CONNECTION conduit between the federal and private industry. Allen Jones FirstLink ajones@katz.pitt.edu 412.624.2181

2. Scan • Spin-Out • Promote Technology Needs (create awareness) • Attend conferences/meetings events: Booth displays, attendance and presentations • Select relevant U.S. Patents • Solicit 3rd party referrals from organizations with relevant connections and proven track record. • Maintain an active role with “trade organizations; Federal Laboratory Consortium DoD, Technoly Transfer Integrated Planning Team, etc. • Monitor Lab/Agency media: Newsletters, magazines, journals and websites. • Promote awareness through press releases, website, and literature dissemination. • Spin-In • Promote 1st responder needs nationally • Review and engage clients, members, and networks, including advisors and the university research community • Network at (local) events • Review regional news sources • Catalog local companies operating in “needs” spaces • Promote 1st responder needs to national SBDC representatives • Review SBIR past/current winners

3. Assess • Spin-Out • Engage 1st Responder focus groups to categorize fit • Review technology (IP) availability • Perform market research: competitive technical environment, differentiation, market size/segmentation/position, business concept • Leverage organizations with related missions for strategic input and potential participation • Identify path to market (What Industry channels exist.) • Spin-In • Screen Company(s); management, finance, business strategy& health, technical needs • Understand/determine company(s) need that can be satisfied by the lab; research partner, equipment, facilities, technology to license etc. • Ensure technology development path is consistent with business concept

4. Identify • Spin-Out • Review and engage IEE clients, members and networks; including advisors and the university research community • Catalog companies operating in “needs” spaces • Promote 1st responder needs to national SBDC representation • Review GACO and SIC code databases • Review SBIR past/current winners • Determine candidate companies with potential interest and filter for: • Strategic Fit • Financial Health • Access to Market • Technical Capability • Management expertise • Determine entry route for engaging the company • Spin-In • Scan suitable laboratories/facilities/applications, etc. • Determine lab/ program interest • Determine federal management support • Determine funding needs and potential engagement mechanisms

5. Connect • Developer and Licensing Candidate • Arrange introductions • Explain the role of T2 to the new party • Insure Lab Management is aware and participating as appropriate • Facilitate discussions; monitor progress • Aid in determining possible T2 mechanisms • Provide high level explanation of T2 mechanisms • Help to set expectations (do not negotiate in behalf of either party)