What is WICAT?

The Wireless Internet Center for Advanced Technology (WICAT) is a multi-university R&D center sponsored by the National Science Foundation under its program of Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC), of which there are about 40. Polytechnic University is the lead institution in WICAT and Columbia University, and the University of Virginia are current associate members.

The mission of WICAT is to collaborate with industry research partners to create flexible, efficient, and secure wireless networks that satisfy communication needs in businesses, in the home and in the lives of individuals. WICAT researchers work closely with industrial sponsors through the Industrial Affiliates Program.

What is NSF I/UCRC?

National Science Foundation (NSF) created the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) program where Federal Government allocates funds to Universities to set up a Consortium with Industry for joint research program to address current technological short comings.

What are the areas of research in WICAT?

Thrust areas of the research at Polytechnic University are to increase network capacity and battery life of terminals, enhance network security, and structure applications to run efficiently over wireless networks. The research at Columbia University deals with the organization and capacity of ad hoc and sensor networks, while that at the University of Virginia deals with rapidly reconfigurable wireless networks.

What are the different ways I can participate in WICAT ?

Your company can become a member of WICAT through any member University site and/or it can sponsor a specific R&D project.

Why should my company want to become a member of WICAT NSF I/UCRC?

a) Access to all pooled research: Normally, when a company sponsors a research project, it gets access to intellectual property associated with only that project. Under NSF I/UCRC rules, all the membership monies are pooled and the member companies get access to all the research conducted with the membership monies across all University sites. Since the research done in universities is usually pre-competitive research, this benefits all companies. If a member company wants to sponsor a research project for proprietary reasons then it may do so with additional funding.

b) Financial Leverage: In normal circumstances when a company collaborates with a University on a research project they have to pay University established overhead rates, which in general terms can be almost 60% of the total amount. under NSF I/UCRC rules, the University sites have to agree to a far lower overhead rates which means you get more for your money.

c) NSF Funding: NSF awards monies annually for administration and other purposes. In addition, becoming a NSF I/UCRC center makes it easier to solicit many federal non-R&D sources for funds.

d) Unique WICAT Services: WICAT offers an array of membership benefits which are listed at http://wicat.poly.edu/benefits.cfm.

Why should my company want to sponsor a specific R&D project?

Your company may have needs that are quite specific. This could arise if your company wanted to pursue further work on a project which is not of general interest to other members. Additionally, in some cases your company may want to obtain special rights to a project (which is not already being pursued as part of WICAT membership research). In either of these two cases, sponsoring a specific R&D project would be justifiable.

What is my company's exposure?

For members, membership fees are $40,000 per year, payable annually. Though it is not required, it is advisable that membership be maintained for a period of at least two years since research has a relatively long gestation period. Membership can be cancelled at any time though the annual dues for the year are not refundable.

What Intellectual Property Rights do I get?

Members get non-exclusive rights to all research done at all the sites. Members can also negotiate exclusive Intellectual property rights with the approval of other members.

For an additional fee, conmpanies may sponsor highly directed research projects. In this case the rights are negotiated between the university site and the company on a case by case basis.

What Intellectual Property Rights do I give up?

As a member you are not required to part with any of your company’s Intellectual Property. Intellectual Property generated by WICAT is subject to (g).

Can I ask WICAT to file for patent on my behalf?

Yes, you can ask Center to file patent provided you agree to pay for costs related to filing of the patent.

Can I ask for delay in university publications?

Yes, you can ask for a three month delay which should be adequate for the purposes of filing a patent.

How do I influence the direction of the center?

Each of the member companies gets to nominate one representative to an Industry Advisory Board (IAB), which along with WICAT administration is solely responsible for making decision on research projects to be undertaken by the center.