Technogenesis in Action

Technogenesis is the educational frontier, pioneered by Stevens, where faculty, students and industry jointly nurture research concepts to commercialization and back to the classroom. It is more than technology transfer, it is part of the Stevens educational experience and creates a climate of innovation and enterprise across the campus.

Stevens has a long tradition of enterprise and innovation that started with the Stevens founding family. One example is Colonel John Stevens III, who started the first U.S. patent office. During his life, the steam engine was created. However, it could not sustain a long journey. So Colonel John developed an improved engine that could, and to protect it he started the US patent office. He later developed the world’s first steam engine powered ferry to transport New Yorkers to his resorts in Hoboken!

This tradition of innovation and enterprise continues at Stevens today, and can be seen from inventions not only by our faculty but our students as well – through Technogenesis.

University Research & Enterprise Development oversees the Technogenesis process by:

• Fostering the development of intellectual property (including patents)
• Spawning new start up companies and business enterprises
• Providing business services to support research growth
• Nurturing the growth of interdisciplinary research

Now, let us look at Technogenesis in Action.

Technogenesis reached new heights during FY05. A perfect example, occurred in early 2005 – that of the first sale of a Technogenesis Start Up Company – Hydroglobe. This acquisition is a major affirmation of Stevens’ vision of Technogenesis. It proves that the innovation-to-implementation philosophy of technology development works. (for more see Hydroglobe Press release).

Also during FY 05, the VP of UR&ED, Dr. Wisniewski, together with faculty and students, launched four new Technogenesis start up companies: Attila Technologies LLC, Stevens Multi Media LLC, SPOC LLC, and Castle Point Scientific LLC.

Additional components of Technogenesis that involve students are the Technogenesis Summer Scholars Program and the Technogenesis Senior Design Awards.

To recognize patent achievements, this year the VP of UR&ED started a patent award. This award was presented at the Board of Trustees Spring dinner, and its tradition will continue in the coming years.

Technogenesis also inspired the pursuit of research grants and contract, and in FY 05, Stevens had a phenomenal year. It achieved $30.6M in research revenue, which is triple that achieved in the year 2000. We are looking forward to reaching $35M this year and $50M in 2009.

Please visit this page often to see more updates on “Technogenesis in Action.”