Services
The Process Development Center is available for process and product development work. We work with clients on research projects, large or small. Check out the pages below to find out about the services we offer.
Working with the PDC
The UMaine PDC has a long tradition of working with companies and entrepreneurs to improve product and process quality. For over thirty years, we have offered access to our staff and facility to companies, laboratories, and public institutions around the globe. We always welcome new collaborations. No matter the scale of your project, we will be able to support your needs, from conceptualization to commercialization.
- To find out more about our services or to discuss a potential project, send us an email via our Contact Us page or connect with a member of our staff (see PDC Staff page). We would be happy to talk with you!
- Information about collaborations and confidentiality can be found below.
- Helpful information for visitors and clients can be found on our Visitors page: directions, parking, local hotel, and dining suggestions.
- For other helpful links, visit our Related Links page.
If you are interested in sending samples in for testing, please contact us to discuss and schedule the work.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Confidentiality
The University of Maine uses standard agreements to safeguard confidential and proprietary information. The Department of Industrial Cooperation (of the Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources and Engagement) is an excellent resource and works closely with the PDC to review and tailor collaboration and non-disclosure agreements for specific projects. You can access their forms including the Two-Way Confidential Disclosure Agreement by visiting the DIC’s forms page.
Intellectual Property
The intellectual property (IP) rights accruing to work performed at UMaine are negotiable based upon the respective roles of the client and the PDC when new processes, products, and technologies are developed.
Publications
Industry-sponsored research conducted at the PDC is kept strictly confidential. When both parties agree that results should be published, the client is afforded an opportunity to review such materials and to exclude proprietary/confidential information. Publications may be delayed until suitable IP protection is secured. Publication rights will be determined prior to the start of any project and are protected by Confidential Disclosure Agreements.
For research that is sponsored by Federal and/or State grants or funding, publication is generally required so that new knowledge is transferred to the public. This is in keeping with UMaine’s role as a public institution and its efforts to advance science for the public good.