CRANE, Ind. – Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) inventors were recognized for their innovations during the fifth annual Invention and Technology Showcase on Nov. 13. The showcase featured the intellectual property (IP) and innovations of more than 50 NSWC Crane scientists and engineers.
“This Invention and Technology Showcase features the cutting-edge work, research, and development NSWC Crane subject matter experts do for the Warfighter,” says Captain Mark Oesterreich, the Commanding Officer for NSWC Crane. “Congratulations to each inventor on their hard work this past fiscal year. Each invention showcased improves the efficiency and effectiveness of our armed forces as well as protects the lives of servicemen and women.”
Dr. Kyle Crompton and Noah Roberts were named NSWC Crane Technology Transfer (T2) and Patent Contributors of the Year for their T2 program efforts. Dr. Crompton produced critical results by using tools available at the T2 office to partner with academia and industry. Roberts was recognized for using patents to make swift enhancements, modifications, and repairs to immediate problems in the field.
Since the first showcase in 2014, nearly 300 diverse technologies have been featured across NSWC Crane’s mission areas and technical capabilities.
Protecting these inventions saves time and money, and allows Warfighters direct access to the latest technology.
“NSWC Crane scientists and engineers create mission-critical technology for the Department of Defense,” says Brooke Pyne, the Technology Transfer and Small Business Innovation Research Manager for NSWC Crane. “If this vital technology is not protected, the government might have to buy it back from industry in order to use it. By protecting technology in the beginning, costly barriers are eliminated and Warfighters get the tools they need when they need it.”
Pyne says NSWC Crane’s IP portfolio benefits the public and region.
“The portfolio includes more than 560 pieces of IP available for public commercialization and licensing,” says Pyne. “Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and large corporations can implement a Crane technology to maximize their business. The vast Crane IP portfolio also creates opportunities to engage with diverse industry partners and academia.”
NSWC Crane's T2 Program helps link federal research and development to academic institutions and businesses in the private sector. A Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) provides the formal mechanism between the federal laboratory and partner collaborator. The NSWC Crane T2 program has partnerships with more than 100 businesses, individuals and universities. Currently, there are 66 active CRADAs and 196 active agreements.
NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with mission areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electronic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi- spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today's Warfighter.