Describe what WARF does, and how it relates to data science.
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is the nonprofit organization charged with protecting and commercializing intellectual property developed by UW-Madison researchers. For nearly a century, we have partnered with the university to advance emerging technologies, from agricultural breakthroughs to multidisciplinary innovations in computer and data science across all fields. WARF’s mission is to support scientific research within the UW-Madison community by providing financial support, actively managing assets and moving innovations to the marketplace for a financial return and global impact. These funds not only help support research but help maintain a strong university overall. WARF funding helps UW-Madison recruit and retain faculty, fund campus infrastructure and support entrepreneurship and innovation.
As part of our commercialization efforts, we interface with industrial partners looking not only for cutting-edge technology, but also for particular skills and assets that campus can provide. We work closely with our researchers and UW administrative counterparts to help find creative ways to bring university research to market, and data licensing is one such avenue. We are seeking researchers who have data sets that may be commercially interesting to have a discussion around data licensing We also would like to hear from researchers who have data science innovations they want to form a company around.
How is your organization engaging with community around data science?
WARF works with UW-Madison faculty, staff and students to help drive their data science innovations towards realization. While we see inventions and software innovations, we are also looking to engage more with the community who may be creating, compiling or leveraging data in unique ways.
What is something you’re looking forward to at the Research Bazaar?
We are always eager to learn about cutting-edge, innovative research, even if it falls outside of the traditional patenting path. Data science cuts across many disciplines and there are always new, creative solutions being presented in this fast-moving field, with many solutions being able to provide a near-term impact. Researchers with any questions about commercialization shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to a WARF contact: Leah Haman, Senior Intellectual Property Manager (lhaman@warf.org).
What is something data science-related that has excited or interested you recently?
We know that data has become the keystone for fields across many different disciplines. We are excited to explore new and creative ways that data is being leveraged to power innovation. In particular, machine learning and AI are drawing the attention of industry and researchers and leading to amazing innovation. No matter what stage your research is in, we’d be happy to discuss if intellectual property protection or other protection strategies are available for researchers’ work.
Why is sponsoring the Research Bazaar important to you?
We’re pleased to support this inclusive event and participate in growing a dynamic community around data science innovation. Over the last decade, WARF has reviewed many new technologies from researchers across a broad spectrum of fields. It’s possible we’ll see new opportunities presented at this event, which if commercialized can help to support the university and future research endeavors.