The Agricultural Technology Research Program solves tough technical problems for State and Federal agencies as well as industries in Georgia, across the nation and around the globe. Our research and technical expertise in robotics and automation, full-spectrum sensing, information technology, test and evaluation, and systems engineering provides a strategic advantage for industry customers.
Our world-class scientists and engineers go beyond generating ideas. We help customers develop commercial products, build prototypes and conduct real-time, real-scenario performance testing.
As part of a non-profit research institute, we are an objective partner who delivers workable solutions and manufacturable products. Our highly specialized research allows us to bring the right mix of talent, experience and creativity to every project. Our collaborative approach helps our customers:
• Minimize risk
• Reduce cost
• Increase speed
• Increase flexibility
• Increase scalability
The Agricultural Technology Research Program promotes partnerships with industry, government, and non-profits; transforms breakthrough technologies into products; and spurs economic development throughout Georgia and beyond.
Our customers include:
• US Department of Agriculture
• US Department of Energy
• US Poultry and Egg Association
• State of Georgia
• Georgia Department of Natural Resources
• Georgia Department of Agriculture
• Georgia Poultry Federation
• Yellowstone Foundation
• Arthur Blank Foundation
Investing in research is a top priority. As part of that commitment, Georgia Tech has developed four contract mechanisms that enable industry to engage with researchers at all stages of R&D. These agreements were carefully crafted to streamline the contracting process and provide straightforward intellectual property terms for companies engaging in collaborative research. The four contracting mechanisms are as follows:
BASIC RESEARCH: Explore fundamental challenges in a technical area
APPLIED RESEARCH: Identify solutions to real-world challenges
DEMONSTRATION: Improve an existing technology
SPECIALIZED TESTING: Test new and existing products
For more information,
contact Doug Britton
Program Manager,
Agricultural Technology Research Program
404-407-8829 | Email
Basic Research
As one of the nation’s top research universities, Georgia Tech is committed to conducting basic research that advances our fundamental understanding of the world. This form of research is typically driven by scientific questions that lay the foundation for technological progress. When Georgia Tech collaborates with industry via a Basic Research agreement, the industry partner has the opportunity to license the resulting intellectual property (IP). These early collaborations are often the foundation for new products that spur business growth for a company.
Applied Research
The Applied Research agreement enables Georgia Tech researchers to help industry partners explore the viability of a technology and overcome practical challenges. Under an Applied Research agreement, the company pays a defined fee to gain access to IP that is generated during the project. The company obtains rights for exclusive access to the IP for a specified period of time within a defined field of use. This enables industry partners to develop and launch a product with very low risk, gaining a first-mover advantage. After the exclusivity period is over, the company can 1) extend the exclusive rights or 2) convert to a non-exclusive license.Georgia Tech offers expertise and state-of-the-art equipment that can be leveraged in the final stages of development to test products and help a company ensure that they are market-ready.
Demonstration
For industry partners working on product development, the Demonstration agreement enables Georgia Tech researchers to help a company improve existing technology. The Demonstration agreement offers a straightforward and advantageous intellectual property policy for industry partners.Simply put, when a company introduces background IP under a Demonstration project, the company shall have exclusive rights to any improvements at no additional cost. For companies that have licensed a Georgia Tech innovation, any improvements to the licensed IP shall be incorporated into the terms and conditions of the original licensing agreement.
Specialized Testing
The Specialized Testing agreement provides a cost-effective and secure way for companies to access this equipment without making a large capital investment. This work is often instrumental in enabling a successful product launch.The Specialized Testing agreement also offers a straightforward intellectual property policy for industry partners. The sponsoring company will own all test results.