University of Arkansas
Technology Development Foundation
• Mission: To stimulate a knowledge-based economy in the
State of Arkansas through partnerships that lead to new
opportunities for learning and discovery, that build and
retain a knowledge-based workforce and that spawn the
development of new technologies that enrich the economic
base of Arkansas
University of Arkansas
Technology Development Foundation
• Purpose and Duties
– Manage the day-to-day operations of ARTP
• Facilities/Property Management
• Business Affairs
• Marketing
– Promote commercialization of select IP assigned by
University
• Critical to accelerating the growth and competitive position of
ARTP companies
• Strategic advantage to recruit prospective tenants
University of Arkansas
Technology Development Foundation
Nine member Board of Directors:
Provost—Sharon Gaber
Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration—Don Pederson
VP for Research & Economic Development—Jim Rankin
Dean of Walton College—Eli Jones
Entrepreneurial Alumni—Ted Dickey
Entrepreneurial Alumni—Stan Green
NWA Council—Greg Lee
City of Fayetteville—Don Marr
At Large—Christine Daugherty
Innovation System
• Physical infrastructure
• Knowledge spillovers from
university research
• Entrepreneurial culture
• Technologically skilled
workforce
• Accessibility to
financial capital, especially
venture capital
Proof-of-Concept
Genesis Technology Incubator
• Genesis is currently home to 24
public/private affiliates
• Over 22,000 square feet of wet &
dry lab space plus offices currently
under lease
• Large conference facilities, break
room and business center
• ARTP affiliates have secured over
$46 million in federal grants and
contracts since January 2005, over
$5 million in last six months of 2012
Advanced Research and Development
Innovation Center
• LEED Certified facility offering
35,000 square feet of office,
clean rooms and electronics
test and assembly labs
• ARTP companies and affiliates
accounted for total employment
impact of 350 jobs in FY 2012
• High-wage jobs are being
created and filled by students
Technology Commercialization
Enterprise Center
• LEED Certified, 65,000 square foot
facility
• Laboratory enabled for research &
development, office, technology
and assembly manufacturing
• 30,000 square feet occupied
• Ongoing commercialization of
power electronics, biotechnology
and nanomaterials
Spillovers of Research
• Core research strengths:
– Next Generation of
Electronic/Photonic Device
– Transportation and Logistics
– Biotechnology and Related
Chemical, Biological and Food
Sciences
– Advanced Materials and
Manufacturing
– Database and
Telecommunications
– Sustainability/Environmental
Science
Entrepreneurial Culture
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Silicon Solar Solutions—commercializing
a process to crystallize amorphous silicon
into larger-grain polysilicon with
unparalleled grain size and ease of
processing
BiologicsMD—developing a prescription
solution to osteoporosis 5X as effective as
existing biophosphanate treatments
cycleWood Solutions—commercializing a
lignin-based plastic bag that can
biodegrade in 150 days
TiFiber--inorganic nanofiber freestanding membranes (FSM) can readily be
made into macroscopic vessels and tools
for important applications at high
temperatures and in harsh environments
Technologically Skilled
Workforce
•
ARTP companies and affiliates
accounted for approximately 220
direct jobs and a total employment
impact of 350 regionally
•
High-wage jobs are being filled by
UA graduates (Approx. $70,000
annually)
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Collaborating with NWACC on
workforce development program
Access to Capital
• Early-stage capital, especially
seed capital is the #1 challenge
faced by start-up companies
• Gap funding is critical to span
the “valley of death” and
achieve escape velocity
• We must continue to build
networks and ideas that will
lead to sustainable sources of
capital
• Pre-seed validation fund is
needed to augment proof of
concept
ARTP Value-Added Features
•Access to leading-edge research facilities and
equipment
•Partnerships with University faculty and
students, enabling collaborative research that
leads to a ready made workforce
•Licensing opportunities for new innovations to
augment technology portfolio
•Access to video conferencing facility,
University library and bookstore
•Invitations to seminars, lectures and
workshops sponsored by University
•Opportunities to serve as guest lecturers and
adjunct faculty
Economic Impact
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Over the life of the project, ARTP
will create over 1,500 construction
jobs generating salaries and wages
with a present value over
$27,000,000.
Construction of ARTP will
generate state and local taxes with
a present value in excess of
$2,175,000 over the life of the
project.
When completed, ARTP will
provide over 2,000 permanent jobs.
Total impact of operating ARTP on
regional output is projected to
exceed $700,000,000.
Operations are projected to
generate over $17,000,000 in state
and local taxes
Historical Highlights
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Nine years of continuous growth positioning ARTP as Region’s only
Knowledge Community in association with major research university
Approximately $1 million in operating support to College of Engineering
Over $200,000 to University Departments
Over $5.2 million in sponsored research (subcontracts) to University
Over $4.3 million in external funding for ARTP and affiliates
Spawned a resurgence in entrepreneurial culture
Established a technologically-skilled workforce earning 2X average annual
wage
Financed and built Enterprise Center as an essential hub for technology
commercialization
Developed a robust Innovation System capable of supporting new product
development
Generated approximately $183 million in economic output