The document discusses a versatile microscale particle fabrication technique developed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign that has applications in drug delivery, industrial manufacturing, and more. Commercialization options were explored, including licensing to established companies or starting a startup. A two-path strategy was pursued, but delays and market shifts hindered licensing interest. However, one of the co-inventors later started a new company, Orbis Biosciences, to develop the technique, achieving commercial success. Lessons included being flexible and not waiting too long if the market is ready.

1. October 2, 2009 Laura Schoppe Fuentek, LLC Karen LeVert Southeast TechInventures Kathleen Needham NASA’s Glenn Research Center John McEntire Pacific Northwest National Laboratory How to Make Your University the Technology Source of Choice for Innovation

2. Structuring Deals Creatively John McEntire Manager, Information Technology Commercialization Pacific Northwest National Laboratory U.S. Department of Energy http://www.pnl.gov/business/tech_transfer.asp

6. Solution: A Two-Path Strategy Case Study 1: University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign