THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 9, 1995 TAG: 9504080259
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JAMES SCHULTZ, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NEWPORT NEWS LENGTH: Long : 148 lines
Steve Gogolya dabs a transparent dot of adhesive on a small glass slide. He places another slide on top so it overlaps a bit, and then invites a visitor to move the top slide around.
Although the two slides adhere to each other, the top one easily pivots in a complete circle.
That is, until Gogolya takes a device that looks like an overgrown Bic lighter and shines a bright blue light on the attached pieces of glass. Instantly, the adhesive cures. The slides freeze in place, which happens to be at right angles to each other.
``Don't try to break the bond,'' Gogolya warned. ``You'll break the glass and cut yourself.''
Gogolya, a program manager with Dymax Corp., stands as an example of the efforts to take technology out of the research labs on the Peninsula and put it in the hands of private business.
He demonstrated the ultraviolet-light-cured adhesive last week during Expotech '95, a high-tech trade show on the Peninsula. His Torrington, Conn., company is licensing light pipe technology developed at the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility, a $550 million nuclear physics research complex in Newport News.
While CEBAF researchers are using light pipes to aid in investigations of subatomic particles called quarks, for Dymax these light-funneling tubes will be practical and profitable. Not only will they help in the growing business of light-cured adhesives, Gogolya says, but they could open whole new markets to the $20 million, 70-employee firm.
Dymax is so bullish on the light-pipe technology, Gogolya said, that it may open a satellite office in Newport News by the summer.
``Automotive will be one of the biggest markets. You could use one (light) source for all the dash lights,'' he said. ``It's really unlimited. It's an untapped market, and it looks like we're going to the first ones in it. It's exciting.''
Dymax's enthusiasm brings broad smiles to the faces of the Peninsula's tech transfer mavens. It's a prime example, they say, of the useful technology that can result even from the most basic research.
That's why they hope that Expotech, which wrapped up Thursday with an open house at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, heralds new momentum in the area's economic development.
``Lots of people have bright ideas,'' said NASA Langley director Paul F. Holloway. ``It takes more than that to produce a product. But once you have a few examples of success, the message will get communicated throughout the business community.''
At CEBAF, scientists peer deep into atomic nuclei for clues on the basic structure of matter - physics research that at first glance seems as far removed from the average consumer as Pluto is from Earth.
But as a result of building an underground accelerator ``race track,'' CEBAF scientists have developed a new type of laser that could revolutionize the manufacture of fabric, carpet and electronic components. CEBAF is working with large industrial partners such as DuPont, IBM and AT&T to develop a working prototype.
If successful, the device would be, in the long run, more efficient and more environmentally friendly than current approaches.
``All this technology is wonderful,'' said Willard Farley, an Expotech speaker who described advances in wireless telecommunications technology. ``But if it doesn't make a profit, it's not worth anything, and your engineers will soon be unemployed.''
Profit worries can waylay even the most promising technology. Transfer of technology usually takes great effort, perseverance, consistent funding and the recognition that inventors don't usually make the best CEOs. And add aggressive marketing and savvy management to the must-have list.
``Technology transfer is high-risk,'' said Stephen S. Cooper, director of the Peninsula Advanced Technology Center, a primary Expotech sponsor. ``You're dealing with technology that's rarely a proven entity. Often it needs additional work, which means additional investment. Those two things alone make it a risky business.''
Financial rainmakers usually shy away from risk, especially if that risk doesn't promise a high rate of return. Despite that, contends Grant Dove, managing partner and executive vice president of corporate matchmaker Technology Strategies & Alliances, solid high-tech ideas will eventually draw good money.
``It's not tough if you have a compelling story. By that, I mean an answer to a customer's problem,'' Dove said. ``If you can take your story and put together a compelling business plan, there are plenty of people looking for those kind of investment opportunities. The biggest problem for small companies is getting to that point.''
Small companies may have benefited the most from their Expotech attendance. Santosh Limaye was convinced he had. The CEO and president of an eight-employee Salt Lake City firm called LoTEC Corp., Limaye signed a licensing agreement with NASA Langley on Friday to commercialize a carbon monoxide filter derived from the center's space laser work.
Limaye says he is spinning off a subsidiary, Mantic Corp., to handle a surge in expected business. At first, Mantic will manufacture and sell face masks to firefighters, but eventually, the company could distribute scrubbers for industrial pollutants and devices to reduce auto emissions in cars.
Limaye figures such a venture could grow from $600,000 later this year to $20 million by the turn of the century. Having Langley as a research and development resource saves him countless hours and dollars that otherwise would have to be invested in technology development.
``This is the best opportunity a small-business person could have," Limaye said. ``Why invent another wheel? There is a glut of technology that has been developed in the federal labs. This is what we need.''
Still, any would-be high-tech entrepreneur should take an unsparing look at what she or he is getting into, said investment specialist Dove.
``Be honest with yourself on how good an idea it is. Look at it very hard,'' he said. ``Is it going to make a difference? Is it sustainable? If the answers are yes, then go for it.''
Only within the past two years has technology transfer began to accelerate. Budget pressures on federal labs and state agencies are one reason, pushing technology out of doors that would have been closed during the height of the Cold War.
Communities are also realizing that they must work together to develop home-grown, high-tech talent if they are to attract and retain companies that will help build a strong revenue and tax base.
But tech transfer can't be done only over computer networks and via fax. Inventors must huddle with investors; engineers have to connect in person with company presidents and marketing specialists.
``Technology transfer is often called a contact sport,'' said W. Frederick Dylla, CEBAF technology transfer manager. ``You really have to talk to people. You start talking, and when you find a match, you write a letter and maybe come up with a formal contract.''
Problems do remain. Technology at NASA Langley, for instance, is some of the most advanced in the world but also the most esoteric. It's not easy to figure out how a particular aerodynamic device might end up, say, in the frame or engine block of an automobile.
``The translation to us is complicated,'' said Timothy Adams, a Chrysler representative to a Big Three project to produce an 80-miles-per-gallon supercar by 2007.
``This (technology fair) gives us an opportunity to identify to researchers what we need,'' he said. ``Maybe this communication of requirements will provide people like these with insight that could simplify technology transfer.''
Officials say they will schedule another Peninsulawide trade show in 1997. By that time, Expotech's impact should be well-understood.
``We have plans to do a real hard evaluation of what comes out of the trade show,'' Cooper, of the advanced technology center, said. ``As a result of that analysis, we think we'll be able to identify some holes in the local economy, and fill them either by a new business or by attracting an existing one to the area.'' ILLUSTRATION: Color photos by Martin Smith-Rodden
Expotech '95 wrapped up Thursday...
Steve Gogolya...
KEYWORDS: TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER by CNB