Commercialization expert accepts dual appointment at UW and Accelerator Centre

The University of Waterloo and the Accelerator Centre have jointly appointed a technology-transfer expert with a rare understanding of business and academe to oversee the commercialization efforts of both organizations.

Tom Corr, currently director of commercialization at the University of Toronto, has been appointed associate vice-president of commercialization with the University of Waterloo research office and chief executive officer with the Accelerator Centre. He assumes the first position Feb. 15 and the latter when incumbent Gerry Sullivan steps down on April 1.

"We are delighted that Tom Corr has agreed to serve in this dual role. His skills will help the university identify promising intellectual property on campus and seamlessly move IP from the university into the Accelerator Centre," said Alan George, vice-president of research. "This is particularly important given the emphasis all levels of government are placing on ways of ensuring that IP developed at universities benefits society in general."

Corr will oversee and direct the technology transfer and licensing office of the university. He will also manage the operations and finances of the Accelerator Centre.

The primary responsibility will be to manage the transfer of IP and related technology developed at the university and the Accelerator Centre. The goal is to ensure that the broader community enjoys societal and economic benefits. The work will include augmenting the technology transfer and licensing activities, as well as encouraging the development of early-stage technology companies.

"The joint appointment of Tom Corr with the University of Waterloo will enhance the Accelerator Centre's success in the commercialization of innovation," said Ian McPhee, chair of the Accelerator Centre board of directors. "We are grateful to Gerry Sullivan, who agreed to serve one year as CEO and has fulfilled two primary objectives: to establish the Accelerator Centre on solid footings of financial stability and program excellence, and to help recruit a suitable successor."

That successor has, most recently, been responsible for the information technology and communications commercialization group at the University of Toronto. This group is responsible for the commercialization of research developed at the university and other research institutions.