The electronics industry is known for its fierce competition, and external collaboration can help companies innovate their way to the top. This month, our R&D Innovation Performance Study dives deep into this topic.
We've also got new technology licensing opportunities from the DOD and VA — including a breakthrough HIV vaccine approach and a machine-learning technique with potential uses across several industries. Keep reading to find innovation opportunities for your company.
R&D Innovation: How Electronics Companies Stack Up
Manufacturers of high-tech and electronics must be at the top of their innovation game to survive. Customers are willing to pay higher prices for new electronic devices — as long as they're getting the latest and greatest.
That's according to our R&D Innovation Performance Study, which found that electronics manufacturers lead other industries in innovation practices and R&D performance:
56% of electronics makers invest more than 10% of revenues in R&D, versus 38% in other industries.
69% have more than 5% of their workforce in R&D, while just 53% of other companies do the same.
41% of electronics companies say they are innovation leaders, compared to 31% of other companies.
At TechLink, we can help you compete in the electronics industry and others by accessing cutting-edge patented technologies from federal labs. Read findings from our R&D Innovation Performance Study to learn more.
In partnership with Mount Sinai School of Medicine, VA researchers have developed a novel HIV vaccine approach. This research could support the first HIV vaccine to produce the antibodies needed to neutralize the virus in humans.
Pre-clinical studies of the vaccine show improved induction of the desired antibodies. If brought to market, the vaccine could help minimize cases of HIV and AIDS. The VA is now seeking licensing partners for this novel HIV treatment.
Navy engineers have developed a waterproof case that allows for mounting of infrared imaging cameras on unmanned surface vessels, or drone boats, which are used for environmental monitoring, oceanography, hydrographic survey, and more.
The case can be used with various camera types for a spectrum of applications. Could your company commercialize it?
For innovative companies interested in machine learning breakthroughs in GPS, Army researchers have created a software to help.
The software is particularly useful in soil morphology, though it can be applied to any dataset that includes GPS information. For example, the technique could be used to classify regional zones for climate change susceptibility or assist real estate agents by finding similar houses or neighborhoods within a large dataset.
How do healthcare business innovators collaborate with federal labs? It all starts with conversations.
One partnership began when Dr. Chetan Jinadatha of the VA and Dr. Mark Stibich, founder of Xenex Disinfection Services, met at a conference and shared ideas for how to better track and monitor hospital-acquired infections.
Then, in 2015, Xenex exclusively licensed a disinfection technology from the VA to create a product called TrackMate. Xenex also won funding to continue researching the disinfection device’s impact on microbiology.
"The [tech transfer] process provided a lot of flexibility for us as the product took different directions during development,” Dr Stibich said.
Are you a leader in R&D or product development? We want to hear from you!
TechLink is performing its R&D Innovation Performance Study again, and we want your input.
Confidentially contribute to a growing body of knowledge revealing how companies are approaching R&D practices, performance and plans for innovation. Participants will be among the first to receive the executive summary and ongoing insights.
