NC State Names Director of Office of Technology Transfer
NC State named Billy Houghteling director of the Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) effective July 1, 2007. In this capacity, Houghteling will oversee the patenting and licensing of all NC State inventions, promote the dissemination of intellectual property and university research, and foster local economic development. Houghteling joined the OTT in 2002 as technology development associate, and has served as interim director since October 1, 2006.
Houghteling brings ten years of multi-disciplined experience in academic and industry research, contract development and negotiation, and general business management to the OTT. Previously, he served as a research scientist -- also supporting business development and technology commercialization -- for Biolex, Inc. a local NC State biotech startup company. Houghteling earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Siena Heights University and a master’s degree in plant molecular biology from Ball State University.
"We are pleased that Mr. Houghteling has assumed this leadership role in the OTT at a critical time for technology transfer, as more and more of our basic science discoveries are translated into real-world solutions and products that improve the human condition," said Dr. John Gilligan, vice chancellor for research and graduate studies at NC State.
In accepting this position, Houghteling will direct one of the most successful technology transfer programs in the country. During the past 20 years, NC State’s OTT has executed more than 700 licenses to inventions made by its faculty, staff, and students, resulting in more than 90 products now available to the consumer. More than 65 startup companies have their roots associated with NC State technology, have raised over $250 million in venture capital, and employ more than 1,500 workers in North Carolina.
NC State’s patent portfolio was ranked 9th in the nation in a report by IEEE based on patent impact, applicability, originality, and patent activity growth. In a study conducted by the Milken Institute, NC State’s technology transfer activities in biotechnology ranked 20th internationally (#1 among all state and private universities in N.C.). These rankings underscore the momentum of the OTT and the concentration of leading research professionals at NC State.