Superclusters push CSU inventions

Superclusters can be explosive.

Colorado State University this week announced that its researchers have more than doubled the number of inventions, a phenomenal effort in two years. University officials attribute the success to the supercluster concept, which unites researchers with those in the private sector who can take their ideas and run, such as business experts, patent attorneys, marketers, etc. While the superclusters don't create new research, they foster it by speeding the transfer of technology from research to implementation.

The number of inventions attributed to CSU researchers rose from 42 in 2006 to 91 in 2008; CSU is expecting 100 this year.

Another report last week found that CSU has created 13 bioscience companies from 2002 to 2007, which is key to a growing employment sector. The report, by a coalition of advocacy groups, says Colorado ranks 11th in the country for bioscience venture capital investments. Two of three CSU superclusters are related to bioscience: infectious dis-eases and cancer research. The third supercluster is focused on renewable energy.

These new approaches, coupled with innovation, are essential toward building employment opportunities at a time when Colorado and the rest of the country is in dire need of new sources for jobs.

CSU is commended for leading the way in efforts that boost inventions and potentially inspire the economy.