For Researchers

Explore how your research can have a greater impact on society.

Berkeley Lab’s Innovation and Partnerships Office (IPO) is directly engaged in each step to move your invention off the bench and into a world waiting for new technology solutions.

IPO is the starting point for reporting new Berkeley Lab technology or software and requesting non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and material transfer agreements (MTAs) with contacts outside the lab.

If you’re new to technology transfer at Berkeley Lab – or need a refresher – check out IPO’s FAQ for Researchers – Inventions and Software and FAQ for Researchers – Non-Federal Partnerships. These pages provide an overview of these tech transfer processes plus contacts for your division. Policies and related forms covering the Lab’s Intellectual Property Acknowledgement, Conflicts of Interest, and Export Control are posted on this website for your convenience.

Researchers seeking to expand the reach of their inventions – whether through a startup or by engaging with industry partners – can develop lab-to-market skills through IPO-managed training such as DOE’s Energy I-Corps and engage in entrepreneurial activities throughout the Bay Area.

Did you know

Berkeley Lab earned a royalty income of nearly $3 million from licensed technologies and software in FY15. After reimbursing patent costs and other fees, ue generated is first applied toward reimbursing the costs of intellectual property protection, such as patenting costs or copyright registration fees, 35% of the net income is paid to the inventors, 15% goes to the originating division for research, and 50% is used to support Lab research via the central research pool.