Script for HQ NTR Training [Slide1] Welcome, and thanks for taking the time today to learn more about New Technology Reports, or NTRs. [Slide 2] This video will explain why NTRs are important and what "counts" as a reportable innovation. We will walk you through the submission process and explain what happens after you submit an NTR. [Slide 3] So, let's begin: why is it important to submit NTRs? [Slide 4] When you report a new technology, you help NASA account for all of the innovations throughout the agency. This in turn helps NASA understand how it can make the most of taxpayers' R&D investment by enabling cutting-edge technologies to be used more broadly across agency projects and programs. It also helps ensure that innovations can be protected appropriately. [Slide 5] NTRs are also the key first step in discovering how NASA technologies might be applied in the mainstream of the U.S. economy. When you report a new technology, you kick start a process that allows the innovation to be tracked, protected, and prepared for uses beyond its original purpose. [Slide 6] NTRs help you, too. Sure, reporting your technology helps NASA comply with its federally mandated requirements to report its new technologies. [Slide 7] However, it also ensures that appropriate protection can be obtained for your innovation. Although ownership and the path to IP protection may vary based on whether you are a civil servant, contractor, or grantee, the NTR is always the first step. [Slide 8] In some cases, once you report your technology, your accomplishment can be recognized through awards, and if the intellectual property can be protected, you might even earn some royalty revenue. [Slide 9] In addition, your technology now has the potential to positively impact the world outside of NASA. [Slide 10] Now let's move on to the next question: what types of innovations are worth reporting? [Slide 11] You might think that NTRs are just for the really BIG discoveries. You may think NTRs are only for new technologies that are patentable, at a specific TRL level, or already prototyped. Not true. [Slide 12] The definition of "new technology" may be quite a bit broader than you think. During your work on a NASA project or program, you may have developed a new or improved device, a product, material, machine, or tiny component. It could be a new technique, process, method, or system. It may be a complex software package or a few lines of code. Even if you just have an idea, submit the NTR. [Slide 13] If you have improved upon an existing technology or process by making it faster, stronger, more efficient, smaller, lighter, or less expensive to manufacture, it is time to submit an NTR. You don't need to worry about whether it can be patented or copyrighted or used outside of NASA. Let technology transfer professionals and patent counsel sort that out. [Slide 14] And speaking of patenting, it is important to report your new technology before you submit a proposal or abstract to give a talk or publish your research. Reporting a new technology gives NASA the opportunity to protect the intellectual property before it is disclosed publicly. So, please, before you publicly share information about your technology, submit an NTR. [Slide 15] Having said that, even if you or someone on your project team has already disclosed the work, it is still important to submit the NTR. Your discovery may still be valuable to other U.S. government agencies, industry partners, or other NASA projects. [Slide 16] Remember this: Any improvement-no matter how big or small-is reportable as an NTR. And it is never too early to submit an NTR, because you can always come back and update as its development progresses. [Slide 17] Now let's walk through the data you'll need to complete the NTR submission form. [Slide 18] The NTR captures the following information: * A description of the innovation [Slide 19] An explanation of why it was developed [Slide 20] Unique or novel features of the innovation [Slide 21] Its key benefits [Slide 22] Its potential commercial applications [Slide 23] And, the developmental milestones Here are a couple tips to help make the process quick and easy: [Slide 24] Use a lab notebook: Keeping a record of your daily progress through a project makes it easier to recognize when you have a reportable technology. [Slide 25] Record key dates: As you track your progress, note the dates for key milestones-from sketch through prototype through testing-so these details can be included in the NTR. [Slide 26] You're ready to submit. Now where do you go? [Slide 27] Report your technology at www.invention.nasa.gov. This site also has lots of helpful information about the NTR process. By the way, it is perfectly acceptable to have someone else submit the NTR for you. Anyone familiar with the innovation can submit the NTR. [Slide 28] Now, let's talk about what happens after you submit the NTR. [Slide 29] If the rights to an innovation will be retained by NASA, patent counsel evaluates the technology's eligibility for patent or copyright protection. NASA's technology transfer personnel also evaluate the technology's other potential uses and whether the market is ready for it. [Slide 30] After the evaluation process is complete, your technology may follow one of many paths. It could be: Patented with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office [Slide 31] Submitted for an award [Slide 32] Published in NASA Tech Briefs [Slide 33] Or marketed to potential licensees or research partnersDuring this entire process, your technology transfer agent will update you on the status of your NTR. But if you are curious about where things stand, feel free to contact your center representative at any time. [Slide 34] Innovators just like you have helped improve human health, protect our planet, ensure our safety, and so much more. It all begins with an NTR. If you have any questions about the NTR process, visit our Web site or contact your center's new technology representative.