Research and Technology Transfer Organization
from idea to product

For faculty and students at Penn State, the opportunity to do relevant and applied research is central to the educational experience. Such research is also vital to our country's economic health. The mission of the Research and Technology Transfer Organization (RTTO) is to serve as a catalyst for economic growth through the transfer and utilization of University research, knowledge and resources to benefit society. There are five units in the RTTO to carry out this mission:

Industrial Research Office (IRO)
The IRO helps companies to identify and access both Penn State faculty expertise and targeted research centers. The office serves as a liaison for long-term, mutually beneficial University-industry research partnerships.

Intellectual Property Office (IPO)
The IPO manages and protects the intellectual property of all Penn State employees. The office promotes commercialization of University inventions through licensing agreements with industry partners.

Research Commercialization Office (RCO)
The RCO assists the Penn State community in the creation of new companies based on University research and technologies. The office identifies sources of early stage capital and management expertise.

Innovation Park
This 118-acre business park provides companies with multiple real estate options. Residents of the Park have access to Penn State resources and the support services to transfer knowledge from the University to the marketplace.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA
BFTP/CNP provides funding and business support services to both emerging tech-based start-up companies and existing manufacturers within a 34-county area of Pennsylvania.

See the Annual Report of Research Activity for details on new initiatives.

Contact:
Ronald Huss
Assistant Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer
Phone: 814-865-6277
Fax: 814-865-3591
rjh22@psu.edu