Addo S., Tyagi P.
University of the District of Columbia, US
Keywords: commercialization of innovations, customer discovery, historically black colleges, solar device, technology transfer, universities (HBCUs)
Prior research details the large gap that exists in the technologicaltransferofinnovationbetween HBCUs and non-HBCUs.ThisiscompoundedbyHBCUsbeingunder- resourced and having a reduced focus on research and innovation.Severalfederalandprivateorganizations are fundingHBCUinnovatorsaimedattransformingtheminto revenue-generatingentrepreneurs.Oneof such federally funded programs, the NSF-CREST Center for Nanotechnology Research Excellence in the University of the District of Columbia is promoting innovation and intellectual property generation at HBCUs. Another federally funded program, NSF I-Corps focuses on trainin g HBCUs innovators on the commercialization of innovations.Thetrainingaimsatidentifyingkeycustomer segments through interviews. This paper discusses how our innovation, the Pumpless Solar Thermal Air Heater functionsandhowwearepromotingitscommercialization using the NSF I-Corps customer discovery strategy.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: TechConnect Briefs 2021
Published: October 18, 2021
Pages: 251 - 252
Industry sector: Energy & Sustainability
Topics: Catalysis, Energy Storage
ISBN: 978-0-578-99550-2