Mtech Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2005

Connolly Highlights MIPS as a Novel Model for Linking Business and Academia at World’s Largest Biotechnology Event

PHILADELPHIA, PA—Maryland Industrial Partnerships Program Director Dr. Martha Connolly presented MIPS at the world’s largest biotechnology event, the BIO 2005 Annual International Convention, during a breakout session she organized and chaired entitled “New Models for Linking Business and Academia from Around the World.”

The session, part of the convention’s Technology Transfer/Licensing track, featured unique models—highlighting best practices—for linking the business and academic communities, that:

• Promote entrepreneurship and the commercialization of innovative ideas;

• Leverage the unique resources and expertise of the university and engaging the commercial world; and

• Reach far beyond the usual models involving technology transfer and sponsored research programs at a university.

“MIPS is a best-kept secret with an 18-year track record of success,” said Connolly. “With more than $7.7 billion in revenue-generating impact, $104 million brought into the university for industry focused research, and best-selling products from companies like Martek, MedImmune, and Hughes Network Systems, we were excited to share our proven model for teaming faculty and companies to develop state-of-the-art commercial technologies.

“Everybody wants to know how they can be more competitive in biotechnology. Subsequently, nearly every economic development agency from every country attends this event. Our hope is the MIPS model benefits attendees by helping them bring companies and academics together to bring more effective drugs and bio-related products to the marketplace.”

Connolly was one of only five speakers from around the world invited to speak at this session, and was the only one invited from the United States.

The BIO 2005 Annual International Convention was held on June 19-22, 2005, at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pa. More than 18,000 biotech executives, investors, journalists, policy makers and scientists from more than 60 countries were expected to attend.

BIO is the world's largest biotechnology organization, providing advocacy, business development and communications services for more than 1,100 members worldwide. Corporate members range from entrepreneurial companies developing a first product to Fortune 100 multinationals. BIO also represents state and regional biotech associations, service providers to the industry and academic centers across the United States and 31 other nations.

About MIPS
MIPS, a program of the A. James Clark School of Engineering’s Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute, provides opportunities for faculty to work closely with Maryland companies to develop technology-based products.

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