Who is OTT
Technology Transfer at Rice University
The Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) at Rice University assists the faculty, staff, and students in commercializing technology created and developed at Rice. In doing so, the OTT strives to contribute to the public good, further economic development in Houston and Texas, and enhance the reputation of Rice University while maintaining a fiduciary responsibility to the university and its faculty, staff, and student body.
What do we do?
The Office of Technology Transfer reviews new invention disclosures to develop strategies for protecting Rice's intellectual property and bringing innovative technologies to the marketplace to benefit the public.
Who is this for?
Rice professors, faculty members, research team members, lab administrators.
Why does OTT need to be involved in invention disclosures?
OTT facilitates and administers the disclosure process to ensure that inventions are appropriately protected and managed.
What do I need to do before I can begin?
No information is required to begin.
Why is this process in place?
Intellectual property disclosures facilitate the translation of knowledge for the greatest possible public good. This process also includes licensing, patenting, and commercialization through the development of inventions into products or services.
The Office of Technology Transfer manages agreements for Principal Investigators in their engagements with external partners.
Who is this for?
Rice professors, faculty members, research team members, lab administrators.
Why does OTT need to be involved in agreements and contracts?
OTT facilitates and administers University research contracts to ensure that the terms and conditions set out in research and innovation agreements or contracts are aligned with Rice University's research policies.
What do I need to do before I can begin?
If you have identified a partner that you are interested in working with, contact OTT as early as possible in the agreement process.
Who signs?
Research contracts or agreements are signed on behalf of Rice by the Director of the Office of Technology Transfer as a delegate of the Office of the President. Principal Investigators (PI) are not authorized to sign agreements on behalf of the university. Remember: contracts are binding.