TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

Dr. George Harker is the Associate Vice President for Technology Transfer, Engineering and Physical Sciences, and the Executive Director of the Wright Fuel Cell Group (WFCG) at Case Western Reserve University. He joined the university on May 1, 2007 where he assumed responsibilities for providing leadership for the WFCG, as well as the evaluation, protection and commercialization of intellectual property developed from Case’s extensive research activities.

Prior to joining Case, Dr. Harker was Director – Office of Technology Licensing (OTL) and Assistant Vice-Provost for Economic Development and Technology Ventures the Georgia Institute of Technology (GA Tech). While at GA Tech from 2001-2007, he was responsible for all technology transfer activities. In FY 2006, OTL received 365 invention disclosures, filed 84 patent applications, had 38 patents issued and assisted in the start-up of 10 companies using Georgia Tech intellectual property. He was also responsible for research contracts with industry sponsors and interfacing OTL with the Institute’s economic development efforts. He developed strong connections to the research, entrepreneurial, angel and venture capital communities in Georgia and around the US.

From 1999-2001, Dr. Harker was the Director – Office of Technology Transfer at West Virginia University. He started-up their office in 1999 and rapidly grew it into a successful, expanding organization. While at West Virginia University he was also involved with setting up and assisting start-up companies, attracting venture capital companies to the university and the state and founding the West Virginia Entrepreneurs Forum.

Prior to 1999, Dr. Harker held a variety of positions in large, mid-size and small companies, including DuPont, Chemtex International, Ensign-Bickford Company and Nelson Brothers, Inc. His business experience covers a wide variety of functions, including Technology Transfer, R&D, Manufacturing, Marketing and Sales, Business Development, Strategic Alliance and Joint Venture Development, Project Management, Financial Analysis and Legal. He has conducted business in over 45 countries on 6 continents.

Dr. Harker earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of New Orleans and a BS in Chemistry from Louisiana State University-New Orleans.

Dr. Harker is a member of the American Chemical Society, the Licensing Executives Society and the Association of University Technology Managers. While at GA Tech, he was a member of the Atlanta Technology Executives Roundtable, the Technology Alliance of Georgia and the Georgia Biomedical Partnership.