Dr. Shenai and Malay Trivedi, one of his PhD students, invented the novel device. In another major effort, UIC has been successful in signing a technology development agreement with Power Gate Technologies, a new start-up venture. The agreement entails giving Power Gate Technologies exclusive rights to over 10 of Dr. Shenai's inventions. The technology commercialization provided by the SBIR and STTR projects is key to boosting UIC's reputation as a research institute. Successful completion of a technology development effort demonstrates that the university is aggressively pursuing a marketable applied research program, supplying a necessary innovation to industry.
Many small businesses lack the resources for a strong research and development program.
By partnering with a university, however, they gain access to a research group with a proven track record. Besides the benefits to UIC's stature as a research organization, the outcome of SBIR and STTR collaboration has a positive influence on the graduate students involved in meeting the contract deliverables. This early exposure to a professional workplace environment conveys valuable lessons in communication, collaboration, and leadership. T he production of this newsletter has involved many people. Our thanks to all of you who have helped.