Iowa State University received its first patent in 1926. In 1938, Iowa State University established the Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc. (ISURF), a non-profit entity to manage the protection and commercialization of its research results. Iowa State University was among the first institutions to create such type of non-profit organization. Through collaborative efforts with industry, ISURF could enter into license agreements granting industry rights to utilize protected research results.
Today ISURF works closely with Iowa State University’s Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer (OIPTT). Together they protect research results and work with companies to transfer these results for the use and benefit of society. This process, commonly called technology transfer, lies at the core of Iowa State University’s land-grant mission.
Please use the links below or contact a staff member to find out more about working with us.
