HAMPTON, Va., Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Possible commercialization of technologies developed by NASA is to be studied by NASA Langley Research Center and the College of William and Mary.

"This is the first time that NASA Langley has partnered with a college or university to do this type of study," said Kathy Dezern, the Office of Innovation lead for the NASA Langley Office of Strategic Analysis, Communications, & Business Development. "We're looking forward to the assessments from the William & Mary students that will further NASA's technology developments, commercialization opportunities and future partnerships."

The studies will be conducted by the college's Raymond A. Mason School of Business and the Alan B. Miller Entrepreneurship Center.

NASA said its agreement with the college is for the identification of technologies available for licensing to determine which ones have the most promising commercial or partnership potential. That identification process is to be completed by the end of this month.

"This partnership with NASA will allow our students to participate in a real world, 'hands on' practical business experience," said Richard Ash, William & Mary Banks Professor of Private Equity and Entrepreneurship.

"Enhancing the educational process in this way will provide our Mason School of Business students with an expanded opportunity to advance their interest in further studies in science, technology and commercialization. At the same time, the students will gain valuable experience that will serve to sharpen their team and leadership abilities -- all skills which will be useful in their future careers."

U.S. government agencies are required by law to have a technology transfer program to promote commercial exploitation of new technologies.

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College to assist NASA in commercialization of technologies