For further information, contact the MBL Communications Office at (508) 289-7423 or e-mail us at comm@mbl.edu

For Immediate Release: July 7, 2009
Contacts:
Andrea Early, Marine Biological Laboratory, (508) 289-7652, aearly@mbl.edu
Robert A. Curtis, Pharm.D., CEO, RTDC , (508) 540-2333, info@regionaltechcorp.org
Mary Moynihan, M2Friend Biocommunications, (802) 951-9600, mary@m2friend.com

WOODS HOLE, MA—The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) and the Regional Technology Development Corp. (RTDC) of Cape Cod announced jointly today the signing of a formal partnership agreement whereby the RTDC will work with the MBL to develop commercial opportunities that capitalize on the laboratory’s expertise in biological discovery. The RTDC will also handle intellectual property licensing for the MBL.

The pact is similar to a technology transfer partnership agreement recently signed between the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the RTDC.

“Given the creation of the Woods Hole Consortium—an alliance that comprises the MBL, WHOI, and the Woods Hole Research Center—RTDC’s existing relationship with WHOI adds value to our partnership because of our goals to pursue joint projects,” says Joshua Hamilton, the MBL’s Chief Academic and Scientific Officer.

The MBL and the RTDC are currently working on two initiatives: A proposed collaboration with WHOI and other regional partners to explore the feasibility of using algae grown by MBL aquaculture experts as an alternative energy source; and a proposed Northeast-based shellfish farming venture in collaboration with the University of Maine.

“We are delighted to enter into this formal partnership to assist the MBL in commercializing its discoveries and innovations in critical technology areas such as renewable energy and environmental and ocean technologies,” said Robert Curtis, Pharm.D., CEO of the RTDC. “Through this effort with the MBL and our partnership with the Woods Hole Consortium, we expect to define new markets, increase technology-based economic development in the Cape Cod area, and raise the region’s profile as a technology-based economic center.”

As the MBL explores funding sources beyond traditional government grants and foundation support, private industry is an obvious option.

“This partnership has tremendous potential for the MBL,” says Hamilton. “RTDC’s expertise in facilitating technology transfer and technology commercialization will enable us to leverage additional scientific and financial opportunities during a time when we are actively seeking new ways to fulfill our mission. This is a natural extension of our basic and translational research programs.”

About the MBL (www.mbl.edu)
The MBL is a leading international, independent, nonprofit institution dedicated to discovery and to improving the human condition through creative research and education in the biological, biomedical and environmental sciences. Founded in 1888 as the Marine Biological Laboratory, the MBL is the oldest private marine laboratory in the Americas.

About the RTDC (www.regionaltechcorp.org)
The Regional Technology Development Corporation (RTDC) of Cape Cod is a not-for-profit “virtual incubator” with the mission to facilitate technology transfer and technology commercialization from its affiliated institutions in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. The RTDC’s primary technology focus areas include marine sciences, environmental sciences, life sciences, alternative energy, and aquaculture. The RTDC is funded in part by the John Adams Innovation Institute.