UOIT provost's laptop accessories product earns first U.S. patent for university's Office of Technology Transfer and Commercialization
August 13, 2007
OSHAWA, Ont. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) announced today it has achieved a Kool new milestone. The university recently received confirmation that UOIT Provost Dr. Richard Marceau has been awarded a U.S. patent for a laptop accessories product that offers protection and comfort to laptop users along with strong economic prospects for Durham Region and Northumberland County.
The patent, the first to be issued under the management of UOIT's Office of Technology Transfer and Commercialization (OTTC), is for the Kool Plate. Developed by Dr. Marceau, the Kool Plate is a ribbed plate that is placed under laptop computers or portable DVD players to keep users comfortable and ensure proper cooling of electronic equipment. In addition, because it is made from aluminum, it shields users from possible electromagnetic radiation that can be emitted from some laptops.
The OTTC is now working on a business case for commercialization of the product, opening up the potential for new jobs and economic spinoffs that will have a direct impact on Durham Region and Northumberland County.
"I was very pleased to receive news of the successful patent application, both personally and for UOIT," said Dr. Marceau. "Anytime you dedicate extensive efforts to a project that will be of interest and of benefit to consumers it is rewarding. That's also why UOIT has established a strong national reputation since beginning classes only four short years ago. Our commitment to research excellence ensures innovative ideas are turned into reality and our commitment to commercialization of those ideas will greatly benefit the Durham Region and Northumberland County communities and economies."
The Kool Plate represents a true success story at every level for the university, with students, professors and administration all playing key roles. Six Bachelor of Commerce students chose the Kool Plate as the focus of their fourth-year capstone project in 2007. Working with Dr. Michael Szarka, UOIT's manager of Technology Transfer and Commercialization, they developed a business model for it, considering everything from packaging and logos, to test marketing, surveys, artwork and printing.
Tim Claydon, who was part of the group and in June graduated as part of UOIT's first-ever Bachelor of Commerce class, was subsequently hired as a summer intern to help prepare the business case to take the Kool Plate to market.
"The experiences I gained in the classroom along with UOIT's technology-rich environment provided me with the hands-on experience I need to succeed in my current position with the OTTC and today's competitive business environment," said Claydon. "I'm very excited by the prospects for the Kool Plate as all feedback to date has been that it has vast potential here in Durham, Northumberland and well beyond."
Dr. Marceau came up with the idea for the Kool Plate in 1995, crafting his initial model from glass. After experimenting with different designs and materials over the years, he realized the commercial potential of the plate and began the patent process with help from the University of Sherbrooke where he was a faculty member. After UOIT's OTTC negotiated a transfer of the patent rights to UOIT the patent application was under review for four years. Its confirmation is significant for a university so early into its history.
The Kool Plate has already proven to be popular on campus, where an initial batch of 100 prototypes, manufactured with the assistance of Durham College and fourth-year capstone students, sold out in only a few months. Another 400 are already on order and there will be an opportunity for local retailers to carry them.
"We have the processes in place to manage the outcome and economic value of the innovative ideas conceived and developed by researchers at UOIT," said Dr. Szarka. "Commercialization is a critical part of our university's mandate and as such we have the required staff and resources to ensure we can successfully facilitate the transfer of our real-world research from the lab to the marketplace. This patent and the commercialization process will be the first of many products to come out of UOIT that will breathe new economic life into our local, provincial and national economies."
About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's 4,300 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, the university offers more than 30 challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of Business and Information Technology, Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Sciences. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including five Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.
About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.
Media contact
Tony Doyle
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2209
tony.doyle@uoit.ca
