Federal Laboratory Consortium

Federal Laboratory Consortium is a formally chartered organization in the United States that promotes and facilitates the transfer of NIH-developed technologies to the private sector, including companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Google. The organization works closely with various federal agencies, such as the NSF, DOE, and NASA, to advance the commercialization of federal laboratory-developed technologies. This collaboration involves partnerships with renowned institutions like the MIT, Stanford University, and the UC Berkeley. The Federal Laboratory Consortium also engages with prominent industry associations, including the NAM and the US Chamber of Commerce.

Introduction

The Federal Laboratory Consortium was established to facilitate the transfer of technologies developed in federal laboratories to the private sector, with the goal of promoting economic development and improving the quality of life for American citizens. This effort involves collaboration with organizations like the SBA, NIST, and the DOC. The consortium's activities are aligned with the America COMPETES Act, which aims to promote innovation and competitiveness in the United States. The Federal Laboratory Consortium also works with prominent research institutions, including the LANL, LLNL, and the SNL. Additionally, the consortium partners with industry leaders like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and GE.

History

The Federal Laboratory Consortium was formally chartered in 1986 as a result of the FTTA, which was signed into law by Reagan. The FTTA aimed to promote the transfer of technologies developed in federal laboratories to the private sector, with the goal of promoting economic development and improving the quality of life for American citizens. The consortium's early years involved collaboration with organizations like the NAS, NAE, and the IOM. The Federal Laboratory Consortium also worked closely with federal agencies, including the DOD, DOE, and the NIH. This collaboration involved partnerships with renowned institutions like the Caltech, CMU, and the UMich.

Organization

The Federal Laboratory Consortium is a non-profit organization that is governed by a board of directors composed of representatives from federal laboratories and other organizations. The consortium has a full-time staff that is responsible for managing its day-to-day operations, including the executive director and other support staff. The Federal Laboratory Consortium is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has a regional presence through its various regional offices, which are located in cities like NYC, LA, and Chicago. The consortium also has partnerships with organizations like the NASULGC and the AAU. Additionally, the Federal Laboratory Consortium works with industry associations like the BIO and the ITI.

Activities

The Federal Laboratory Consortium engages in a variety of activities to promote the transfer of technologies developed in federal laboratories to the private sector. These activities include technology scouting, partnership development, and technology transfer training. The consortium also provides funding opportunities for small businesses and startups that are interested in commercializing federal laboratory-developed technologies. The Federal Laboratory Consortium works closely with organizations like the SBIR and STTR programs, which are administered by the SBA. The consortium also partners with prominent venture capital firms like KP and SC. Additionally, the Federal Laboratory Consortium collaborates with research institutions like the UT Austin and the GaTech.

Membership

The Federal Laboratory Consortium has a diverse membership that includes over 300 federal laboratories and other organizations. The consortium's members come from a variety of federal agencies, including the DOE, NASA, and the NIH. The Federal Laboratory Consortium also has members from the private sector, including companies like Intel, Cisco, and Oracle. The consortium's membership also includes academic institutions like the UCLA and the UIUC. Additionally, the Federal Laboratory Consortium has partnerships with organizations like the NSF and the DOC.

Awards

The Federal Laboratory Consortium presents several awards each year to recognize outstanding achievements in technology transfer and commercialization. These awards include the Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer, which is presented to individuals or teams that have made significant contributions to the transfer of federal laboratory-developed technologies to the private sector. The consortium also presents the Outstanding Partnership Award, which recognizes partnerships between federal laboratories and private sector companies that have resulted in the successful commercialization of federal laboratory-developed technologies. The Federal Laboratory Consortium also partners with organizations like the NMTI and the LMP to recognize outstanding achievements in innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the consortium works with industry associations like the NAM and the US Chamber of Commerce to promote innovation and competitiveness in the United States. Category:Science and technology in the United States