Office of Technology Transfer
- Who We Are
- Our Services
- Work With Us
Transforming Pediatric Research Into Life-Changing Solutions
Nemours Children's research leads to life-changing solutions for children. The Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) transforms our research breakthroughs into real-world health care solutions. We help develop new drugs, biomedical devices, therapeutic approaches, and tools that advance how we diagnose and treat children's medical conditions.
Our purpose is to advance children's health by managing and protecting ǿմý' intellectual property while creating strategic industry partnerships to bring these innovations to the children who need it.
Our team empowers ǿմý associates to bring their innovations to life. We provide comprehensive support across the innovation spectrum: Protecting intellectual property, securing patents, and navigating the path to commercialization.
We actively partnerwith industry leaders and investors who share our commitment to advancing pediatric health care. Whether you're interested in licensing agreements, research collaborations, or co-development opportunities, we'll help you connect with our world-class investigators and explore our cutting-edge research portfolio.
ǿմý Innovation Spotlight
We’re currently partnering with start-up Cellergy Pharma LLC, located in Wilmington, Delaware. Cellergy Pharma is developing a novel CAR-T technology, aimed at treating severe allergic diseases. Chief Science Officer Zhengyu “Mark” Ma, MD, PhD, has invented the company’s CAR-T cell receptors, amid his work leading the T Cell Immunology Research Laboratory at ǿմý.

Guiding Innovation to Impact
The ǿմý Office of Technology Transfer provides comprehensive support throughout the innovation and commercialization process. Our services span from initial discovery through market implementation.
Invention Disclosure Evaluation & Confidentiality Protection
We work closely with our research community to identify and protect promising innovations at their earliest stages. Our team facilitates by:
- Guiding our researchers, clinicians, and associates through the invention disclosure process to capture novel technologies.
- Conducting evaluations of invention patentability and commercial potential.
- Managing confidential information exchange through structured agreements, including Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), Data Use Agreements (DUAs), and Confidentiality Agreements (CDAs), in partnership with the Office of Research Agreements.
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Intellectual Property Protection
We protect the intellectual property (IP) associated withthe valuable innovations developed at ǿմý, ensuring they can reach the marketplace and the children who need them most.We partner with experienced attorneys to assist with:
- Preparing and filing patent applications with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- Negotiating licenses and other agreements to transfer IP rights to partner organizations for further development.
- Ensuring the compliance with Federal regulations related to IP.
- Enforcing the rights of ǿմý IP.
Licensing & Commercialization
Weserve as a bridge between our researchers, clinicians, and associates with the private sector, by:
- Identifying commercial applications for new devices, diagnostic approaches, drug discoveries, and treatments.
- Facilitating clinical trial agreements between our clinical teams and industry partners that can lead to new products in the marketplace.
- Marketingand licensing commercially viableinnovations to relevant health, pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device firms.
- Negotiating agreements with external partners.

Entrepreneurship & New Ventures
Beyond licensing, we help lay the foundation for commercially viable ventures. We assist by:
- Providing guidance on launching startup companies and co-development ventures.
- Connecting researchers to business mentors, early-stage, and follow-on venture opportunities.
Commercialization Support & Education
Our team supports and champions researchers to help drive commercial progress. We do this by:
- Leveraging intellectual property to highlight our world-class research, discoveries, and talent.
- Identifying sources of research and commercialization funding from federal and state government, companies, foundations and non-profit organizations, and other sources.
- Educating researchers on IP and the technology-transfer process.
- Creating programs encouraging innovation and engagement in entrepreneurship.
- Providing appropriate incentive andmanaging IP revenue sharing with associates.
Ecosystem Development
We actively pursue relationships with community and partners to move innovation forward. We help with:
- Building innovation ecosystems with universities, commercial partners, and the venture community that promote economic development regionally and beyond.
- Collaborating with consortiums focused on pediatric innovations.
Partner in Pediatric Innovation
The Office of Technology Transfer builds partnerships to advance children’s health. Our collaborative approach brings together innovative research, clinical expertise, and industry capabilities to create meaningful health care solutions.
Why Partner With Us?
- World-class research infrastructure:We have a state-of-the-art biobank, specialty centers, and research cores staffed by experienced scientists.
- Clinical excellence:You collaborate with leading pediatric clinicians and researchers who understand both the science and practical applications in children's health care.
- Flexible partnership models:From traditional licensing to co-development opportunities, we create customized collaboration structures that work for your organization.
Active Licensing & Innovation Opportunities

Explore some of the latest innovations developed by ǿմý researchers and clinicians available for licensing or collaboration.
CAR-T technology for allergic diseases
Patent status: 4 patents (2 pending, 2 granted)
Inventor: Zhengyu “Mark” Ma
Licensing agreement in development with Cellergy PharmaZika virus treatment of CD24-positive tumors
Patent status: Granted
Inventors: Kenneth Alexander, Tamarah Westmoreland, Joseph Mazar, et al.Kink-reducing IV lines and extension sets
Patent status: Pending
Inventor: Phoebe FisherValves for extracorporeal blood treatment systems
Patent status: Pending
Inventor: David BlauveltMucopolysaccharidosis IVA/VII screening and treatment
Patent status: Granted
Inventor: Shunji TomatsuNon-invasive pulmonary function treatment of respiratory fatigue
Patent status: Granted
Inventors: Tariq Rahman, Thomas Shaffer, et al.ACE adapter— contamination barrier for breast pump
Patent status: Pending
Inventor: Susan Marron
How We Work With You
Our team makes collaboration straightforward and productive. We actively work to understand your priorities and strategic objectives, ensuring we can identify the most promising opportunities for partnership.
We guide you through every step of the process, from initial discussions to agreement execution, providing comprehensive support and clear communication throughout the journey.
We offer several ways to engage with us:
- Traditional licensing agreements
- Sponsored research collaborations
- Risk-sharing co-development projects
- Early-stage company formation support
- Strategic alliance development
- Clinical trails partnerships
Our team can coordinate scientific meetings with investigators, arrange facility tours, and provide the preliminary information you need to evaluate potential opportunities.
Whether you are interested in accessing our research capabilities, exploring our innovation portfolio, or discussing a specific collaboration opportunity, we're here to help you navigate the process efficiently and effectively.

Start Your Journey
Contact us to:
- Learn about our latest innovations
- Meet our research teams
- Discuss partnership opportunities
- Schedule a facility visit
Phone:(302) 651-6837
Email:techtransfer@nemours.org