Contact: Phil Hearn
Scientists from Mississippi State and other universities will show off research successes that may be turned into commercial ventures during an upcoming exposition in Jackson.
The Intellectual Property Forum and Technology Expo Nov. 30-Dec. 1 at the Downtown Marriott is expected to attract university researchers, business leaders and venture capitalists for a close look at some 80 technologies available for licensing.
"They will explore collaborative research opportunities aimed at solving real business problems," said Charles T. Rivenburgh, MSU director of intellectual property and technology licensing.
He said one of the highlights of the Tuesday-Wednesday event will be a poster session at which university researchers will showcase technologies and scientific efforts that could lead to patents and commercialized products. On Wednesday [the 1st], each school will present two technologies.
Rivenburgh said MSU will spotlight technologies of SemiSouth Laboratories Inc., led by president Jeff Casady; and a miniaturized time-of-flight mass spectrometer research conducted by David Ermer, a physics and astronomy assistant professor. Ermer has formed a company, OptiMS, to commercialize the technology.
SemiSouth was established in 2001 as a privately held leading developer and manufacturer of silicon carbide electronics and electronic material (epitaxy). The Starkville-based enterprise is a potential user of material processes developed by MSU researchers.
Silicon carbide technology can be used in harsh environments where factors such as extreme heat and oxidation are a challenge to applications ranging from military radar systems to space-based radar, oil exploration and hybrid electric vehicles.
For more information, contact Rivenburgh at (662) 325-3521 or technology licensing assistant Donna Murrah at 325-9263 and dmurrah@research.msstate.edu.