Tech a Top University for Biotech Transfer
Flying for the Future
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Gary Meek
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Georgia Tech researchers have conducted successful test flights of a hydrogen-powered unmanned aircraft believed to be the largest to fly on a proton exchange membrane fuel cell using compressed hydrogen. Although the power output is about that of a conventional lightbulb, the project advances fuel cell technology and generates industry interest. Such fuel cells could power smaller, slower vehicles like unmanned aerial vehicles, which could be used to track hurricanes, patrol borders and conduct general reconnaissance. And fuel cells emit no pollution. "We are laying the groundwork in design development that others can use to develop hydrogen-powered aircraft," says Dimitri Mavris, Boeing professor in advanced aerospace systems analysis in the School of Aerospace Engineering. "By documenting the technical challenges we've encountered — as well as our solutions — we provide a baseline for others to follow."
Tech a Top University for Biotech Transfer
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Georgia Tech is one of the top universities in the world for technology transfer and a top producer of startup companies, according to a biotechnology study conducted by the Milken Institute. Tech was ranked fourth for startup companies, 11th overall for technology transfer (bringing technologies from the lab to market) and eighth for patents filed. Tech also ranked ninth in number of patents in 2005, according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. In 1997, Georgia Tech and Emory University jointly formed an interdisciplinary department of biomedical engineering. More than 50 companies have been created based on technology developed at Georgia Tech since 1990. In 2004, companies that had graduated from the Advanced Technology Development Center employed 5,500 people and generated $1.7 billion in revenues, according to a recent economic impact study.
©2007 Georgia Tech Alumni Association
