About STOR

The University at Buffalo Office of Science, Technology Transfer, and Economic Outreach (STOR)— is UB's interface between the inventive work of laboratory research and the applied commercial development that brings the benefits of that work to market.

STOR is building a twenty-first-century economy for the Buffalo-Niagara region based on bioscience and information technology. STOR promotes economic revitalization through technology transfer and economic outreach activities, and fosters partnerships between UB—New York's major public research university—and the business community.

STOR is headed by UB vice provost Robert J. Genco, D.D.S., Ph.D., SUNY Distinguished Professor of oral biology and microbiology. Dr. Genco is a world-renowned scientist with demonstrated success in commercializing both his own discoveries and those of others.

STOR's three divisions—Intellectual Property, Funding, and Commercialization—provide business leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs with easy access to UB's extensive resources and expertise.

Intellectual Property Division

The Intellectual Property Division specializes in patenting inventions developed at UB, licensing this intellectual property to the private sector, and helping to launch new products and processes that can drive the growth of new or established businesses. The office also works with faculty to ensure that their intellectual property is commercialized when possible, and to make the process of patenting and licensing technologies simpler.

Over the years, UB has licensed several university-developed technologies to a number of companies. These companies include small entrepreneurial start-ups whose business is based on the technology, as well as larger established companies that augment their product lines with the licensed technology.

Funding Division

The Funding Division assists researchers in finding "gap" funding for development and commercialization activities. The New York State Center for Advanced Technology (CAT) at the University at Buffalo provides gap funding to support the creation of technology prototypes or proof-of-concept, with assistance from an industry partner.

It also assists UB researchers in applying for business development grants, and provides access to a wide network of venture and private funding opportunities.

Commercialization Division

The Commercialization Division works with companies and entrepreneurs to commercialize UB-developed intellectual property and assist faculty in launching businesses. This division provides a link to market analysis, as well as assistance in marketing UB-developed technologies and obtaining access to venture capital funding. This division also facilitates the establishment and growth of new business enterprises by providing business incubation in the UB Technology Incubator and expansion at Baird Research Park and other spaces.