UARF was established in 2001 to promote and support university/industry collaboration and to provide effective mechanisms by which UA discoveries and inventions are developed and commercialized. UARF’s unique initiatives include:

• Seniors Fellows program through which former industry executives mentor faculty, facilitate industry collaboration, advise startup companies, and encourage innovation and regional economic development

• Akron Innovation Campus, a new model of mixed-use buildings where university startups and independent companies share space adjacent to campus

• Advice for startup formation, including supporting the creation of more than 50 technology-based startup companies

• Founder of the $33 million Exxon/YANPET elastomer training program

 

Working with UA and its Research Foundation

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The University of Akron's research services offer support for:​

• Entrepreneurs and startups:

  • Conducting customer discovery and market research

  • Mentorship by experienced UARF Senior Fellows

  • Providing paths to funding

  • Adding student interns to supplement your team

• Faculty:

  • Supporting grant applications

  • Helping with technology commercialization

  • Partnering to reach out to customers and learn about markets

  • Patenting and licensing new technologies

• Students:

  • Providing internships and unique opportunities

  • Forming teams to learn what its like to launch a product through I-Corps Sites

  • Making investment recommendations on real companies through NEOSVF

  • Supporting area businesses through internship partnerships​

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IRS documents are available for inspection at the UARF office: Goodyear Polymer Building, Suite 312, Akron, Ohio 44325.

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