Since 1999, TTC’s Technology Commercialization Initiative (TCI) has allocated over $25 million to companies and universities across Pennsylvania with one idea in mind—to create new technologies and products that will grow jobs and build successful commercial enterprises. It’s the program that has helped put TTC on the map as an economic development engine for Pennsylvania.

Through this initiative, TTC awards grants that help companies with promising technology projects get them off the drawing board and into the marketplace. Each year, the TCI allocates up to $3 million to companies ranging from raw startups to more established entities.

Product development projects are selected through a rigorous application and review process. The TCI funds research, development and commercialization of new technologies in the advanced electronics, embedded systems, robotics, and cyber security and networking industries. It also funds university-based groups that collaborate directly with industry, or that have the potential to spinout into commercial enterprises.

The driving force behind the TCI is the Technology Commercialization Advisory Board (TCAB), which is comprised of senior technical representatives from the 50+ principal TTC member companies, plus the three founding universities: The University of Pittsburgh, Penn State University and Carnegie Mellon University. Board members make recommendations on which proposals should receive funding. They also offer financial support, technical advice, physical laboratories and other research-oriented space, in exchange for licensing rights to the technologies funded.

TCI funding comes primarily from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development through the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.  Through fiscal year 2010, 549 proposals totaling $104 million in funding requests have been submitted.  To date, 168 technology commercialization projects have been selected for a total of $27.8 million in awards.  A typical project is 12 months in length and receives $120,000 of funding. 

Strategic Focus

• Create economic growth within the high-tech domain in PA
  through the funding of technology development projects suitable for
  quick transition into commercial products
• Generate job opportunities in both the entry and experienced level
  within high-tech businesses
• Develop the region's high-tech infrastructure

Member Benefits

• Representative on the Technology Commercialization Advisory Board
• Shared IP rights to funded technologies
• Access to financial support
• Access to technical advice

Member Services

• Assist companies in moving product into the marketplace
• Networking, networking, networking...
• Directed research projects
• Access to physical laboratories and other research-oriented space

Areas of Funded Research

• Wireless / Multimedia Devices  
• On-Chip Sensors, Memory and MEMS
• Low Power / Alternative Power
• Multimedia Algorithms and Cores
• VLSI Design and Test Tools
• Wire / Wireless Networks
• Robotic Technologies
• Assistive / Quality of Life Technologies                              

Chuck Brandt
Chief Technology Officer
(voice) 412-201-7422