Heinrich, Gardner Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Boost Technology Transfer, Establish Microlabs

Press Release

U. S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, introduced S. 784, the Microlab Technology Commercialization Act, a bill to accelerate technology transfer by establishing off-campus microlabs that would serve as the "front-door" to national laboratories. The microlabs would give academia, local government, businesses owners, and communities direct access to equipment, facilities, and personnel of national laboratories.

"Scientists and engineers at Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories are known for developing advanced technology and scientific breakthroughs," said Sen. Heinrich. "If we make it easier to partner those talents and entities with New Mexico's research universities and private industries, not only will we realize the true potential for technology transfer, but those results can also boost entrepreneurship and create good, private sector jobs."

"This will further increase the value of scientific research by making it more accessible to the organizations that could use it the most," said Sen. Gardner. "The Microlab Technology Commercialization Act would create a link between cutting-edge scientific facilities and small businesses, local governments, and academic institutions. In Colorado, institutions like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory conduct the research that powers our new energy future. This bill will help make those innovations more available to the public, to small businesses, and to everyone who could benefit from advanced research."

The bill directs the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with directors of national laboratories, to establish microlabs based on criteria to include whether employees of a national laboratory and persons from industry, academia, and government are available to be assigned to the microlab and cost-sharing or in-kind contributions from state and local governments and private industry.

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