Newswise — Deerfield, IL — The Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) – an association for academic technology transfer professionals – announced its plans to launch the AUTM Global Technology Portal, a website that aims to actively facilitate networking, partnership and licensing deals among corporations and universities.

"The Global Technology Portal will be a one-stop shop for corporations to find university technologies available for licensing," says Laura Schoppe, AUTM VP for Strategic Alliances. "The portal will help facilitate license agreements, collaborative research agreements, and investments or partnership arrangements for university startups," she adds.

Though only AUTM members may post their information on the portal, using a simple tool to automatically upload and update information, anyone will be able to search the site for valuable information. The portal should make it much easier for universities and corporations to find each other and begin licensing and partnership discussions. Corporations will also be able to search the portal to find universities with the capabilities that they need and then connect with them directly.

"Companies have looked to AUTM for years to find the latest early stage academic innovations; this portal will provide an even easier way for companies to find the innovations and research capabilities they seek," says AUTM President Robin Rasor, CLP, RTTP.

AUTM signed a contract with PatSnap for the development of the portal, which is scheduled to launch late this year.

About AUTMThe Association of University Technology Managers is a nonprofit organization with an international membership of more than 3,000 technology managers and business executives. AUTM members — managers of intellectual property, one of the most active growth sectors of the global economy — come from more than 300 universities, research institutions and teaching hospitals as well as numerous businesses and government organizations. To learn more about AUTM visit www.autm.net.