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University of Florida

New UF/IFAS office aims to create more businesses, commercial products from agricultural research


  • UF/IFAS launches the Office of Strategic Partnerships & Innovation to accelerate public-private partnerships, faculty entrepreneurship and commercialization of agricultural research.
  • Led by Executive Director Damian Adams, the office positions UF/IFAS as a statewide hub for agricultural technology innovation, supporting Florida’s new AgTech “target industry” and helping research solutions reach the marketplace faster.

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is launching a new office for public-private partnerships and commercialization of its research.

The UF/IFAS Office of Strategic Partnerships & Innovation will open May 15 and be the commercial outreach and entrepreneurial development arm of the institute. The main goals of this office will be to support faculty as they engage in entrepreneurship and commercialization and to get more UF/IFAS research solutions to the marketplace.

With the Florida Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly declaring agricultural technology as a new “target industry” for Florida in November, UF/IFAS is laying the groundwork to grow this sector across the state.

With the Florida Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly declaring agricultural technology as a new “target industry” for Florida in November, UF/IFAS is laying the groundwork to grow this sector across the state.

The office will be run by Damian Adams, currently the UF/IFAS associate dean for research, as the executive director.

“We are building a culture of entrepreneurship with our faculty,” Adams said. “This office will serve as our front door for corporate engagement – streamlining the process for businesses, faculty and investors alike.”

The Office of Strategic Partnerships & Innovation will offer faculty training and guidance with establishing intellectual property, starting new businesses and securing private grant funding.

It will also focus on connecting faculty with venture capital funding, corporate partners and other funding mechanisms.

For businesses, the office will identify ways they can work with UF/IFAS. Whether it means offering research resources to test and derisk commercial products before they go to stakeholders, establishing internships to create a pipeline of skilled workers or solving another business challenge, UF/IFAS aims to be an asset to the agri-business community.

The office also aims to be part of the solution to a newer challenge that faculty have faced: With federal funding becoming more competitive, having a private partner can not only create a diversified stream of resources, but it can also give a competitive advantage when applying for those federal grants.

Adams said his office will be a resource for UF/IFAS faculty and others who have already launched businesses, as well as those in the middle of the process and those who are nurturing an idea and a dream.

“What are the barriers? What are the pain points with licensing and commercialization? We want to break those down and make the process smooth for everyone involved,” he said.

To connect with the Office of Strategic Partnerships & Innovation, please email Executive Director Damian Adams at dcadams@ufl.edu.